Video: Local Business Leaders Learn How to Attract Major Retailers

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – More major retail stores could be coming to the Golden Triangle. Business leaders from across the state gathered in Columbus today to learn how to expand retail business and help cities grow.

“Retail sales are what help people to make that area their home,” says Alan Barefield, Economics Professor with MSU Extension Service.

The International Council of Shopping Centers hosted a workshop in Columbus to discuss how to recruit retailers. MSU Extension Economics Professor, Alan Barfield, says the goal is to keep consumer spending as local as possible.

“Identify what retail sectors they might be losing people to other towns to shop at and they might be able to focus on those sectors, try to recruit those types of businesses in to their towns,” says Barefield.

While some believe large retailers are key to growing a local economy, others say that can be detrimental to small business.
Developer Matthew Summers says Pearl, MS is a great example of how all types of businesses can thrive in the one area.

“You’ve got boutique shops like Oh How Cute, local franchises like Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory located next to Sam’s Club. So they can co-exist in the same community,” says Developer Matthew Summers, of Spectrum Capital, LLC in Jackson.

“As long as you’re mindful of the smaller stores, you can really make an impact both ways. I understand that we’re going to travel outside of our community and spend our money at Target and spend our money at Costco. So might as well in our community, if that’s a fit,” says Joy Foy, from the Mississippi Development Authority.

The panel also included Attorney Ronald Farris who discussed business incentives and state regulations.

The workshop was organized by the Mississippi Development Authority.