The Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with a retail-consulting firm to host a downtown revitalization workshop on Thursday, June 9.
The workshop is part of an ongoing retail strategy for the downtown area that includes the partnership between the City of Demopolis and The Retail Coach, a retail recruitment-consulting firm based in Tupelo, Mississippi and Thursday’s workshop is part of the retail strategy currently in process for the city.
The chamber partnered with The Retail Coach to aid in research and analysis of the community, and to proactively market and recruit retailers, restaurants, and developers to the area. One part of the strategy is aimed at focusing on existing businesses and the Demopolis downtown area. Scott Emison, director of retail strategy for The Retail Coach, will lead the workshop that is tailored to downtown merchants and property owners, but also to leaders and stakeholders in the downtown core of Demopolis.
“The workshop will cover several important topics pertaining to downtown revitalization and our goal is to explain what it takes to grow and sustain a thriving downtown business environment,” Emison said.
Chamber Director Ashley Coplin said the workshop, and the partnership with The Retail Coach, presents a unique opportunity for local business development.
“The Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce is excited about this week’s Downtown Revitalization Workshop presented by The Retail Coach. We encourage downtown merchants, entrepreneurs and citizens interested in starting a business downtown to attend. We will provide light hors d’oeuvres and beverages for attendees. Demopolis has a beautiful downtown in a historic setting ideal for new business growth. This workshop is a great opportunity to generate new ideas for our existing retailers, as well as, budding entrepreneurs,” Coplin said.
During the workshop Emison will discuss infrastructure, aesthetics, community involvement, business practices, specific market data, complementary and competitive businesses, and ways to partner with the city and chamber. He will discuss national retail trends for 2016 and what The Retail Coach is witnessing in other downtowns across the country. The workshop will also present findings of the retail recruitment strategy for Demopolis and how downtown businesses can apply and utilize those resources.
For more information about the workshop contact the chamber of commerce at ashley@demopolischamber.com or 334-289-0270.