Real Estate

The Cullman Tribune

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Retail recruitment built on preparation, relationships and long-term planning

CULLMAN, Ala. – New businesses may appear to arrive quickly once construction begins, but Cullman Economic Development Agency Retail & Workforce Development Manager Susan Eller said retail projects often result from years of preparation, relationship building and coordination. Eller recently participated in the Economic Development Association of Alabama Summer Conference panel “Retail: Preparing for Shows.” The session examined major retail recruitment conferences and how communities can make the most of the time and money invested in attending them. “One of the biggest takeaways from the panel was that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to retail recruitment,” Eller said. “Every community has different goals, budgets and opportunities, so it’s important to choose the retail events that best fit your strategy rather than trying to attend everything.” The conferences provide different levels of access to retailers, developers, brokers and site-selection representatives. ICSC Las Vegas, formerly known as the International Council of Shopping Centers, is the largest retail conference in the world, attracting more than 25,000 industry professionals. Eller said many meetings with retailers are scheduled months before the conference begins. The event also includes the Annual Alabama Retail Reception, hosted by EDAA’s Retail Economic Development Committee. Eller serves as chairperson of the