Statesboro was selected recently as the first of six “Retail Ready” communities by Georgia Power Economic Development.

According to a release from the city, “This partnership marks a significant milestone for the city, as it collaborates with Georgia Power to enhance retail recruitment efforts.” The initiative will provide Statesboro with valuable insights, data and tools to support sustainable retail growth, the release stated.

“The Regional Economic Development Managers work closely with local and regional development partners to prepare communities for today’s projects and opportunities in the future,” said Elyse Davis, Georgia Power’s statewide Development Manager. “We’re excited that Statesboro is the first community we can provide enhanced retail strategy support to through our new partnership with Retail Strategies.”

Georgia Power partnered with consultants from Retail Strategies, an Alabama-based retail recruitment and community development firm, to provide Statesboro with data insights and recommendations for attracting national retailers. The firm conducted an analysis of Statesboro’s retail landscape, identifying properties and sites suited for new consumer-facing businesses. Retail Strategies also provided a recommendation list of potential retail brands and key contacts for outreach.

City of Statesboro officials said they will use the recommendations and strategies provided through this partnership to help expand consumer options in the community. In January 2023, the city contracted a small business recruitment service through Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group. Through this collaboration, Statesboro gained a dedicated business recruiter, Alan Gross, who has been actively attending trade shows and working to attract retailers to the area.

“Partnering with Georgia Power enables us to amplify our existing recruitment strategies,” Gross said. “Partnering on the ‘Retail Ready’ initiative enhances our visibility, providing another powerful tool to attract retailers. I’m confident this collaboration will soon bring more retail and dining options to our community.”