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Retail Strategies reports recruitment wins; Dave & Buster’s performing above expectations
Summary
Consultant Retail Strategies updated council on retail recruitment in Spokane Valley: Dave & Buster’s is open and exceeding expectations, second‑generation spaces (former Party City, Joann’s) produced quick leasing interest, and the city’s $35,000 contract covers quarterly reports and trade‑show representation.
Retail recruitment consultant Retail Strategies presented its annual market update to the council on Oct. 7, highlighting a major recent opening, ongoing site marketing and a pipeline of prospects for Spokane Valley.
Brooke (Retail Strategies) said the firm acts as an extension of the city’s economic development team, maintaining relationships with national retail real estate directors and tenant‑representative brokers. Staff and consultants described a multi‑year timeline for national retail deals and emphasized the value of second‑generation sites that allow brands to enter a new market with reduced upfront construction costs.
John (Retail Strategies) told the council Dave & Buster’s closed earlier this year and “is performing above expectations,” a sign executives gave the brokerage team at a recent industry conference. Retail Strategies provided typical unit sales and job‑creation benchmarks: Dave & Buster’s average unit sales were cited around $10.5 million with roughly 45 jobs per location; 5 Below and a QSR burger concept were cited with brand typical annual sales in the low millions; combined, recent wins and prospects were presented as supporting roughly 81 jobs and tens of thousands of dollars in annual sales tax revenue.
City staff said Retail Strategies’ contract is $35,000 annually; deliverables include quarterly market reports, a post‑trade‑show report and monthly coordination with city economic development staff. Council members asked about vacancy and trends: Retail Strategies said Spokane Valley’s retail vacancy is roughly in line with national averages for national retail (about 4–6 percent), and second‑generation spaces—former Party City and Joann’s locations—have accelerated leasing interest.
Council thanked the consultant for the update and noted retail recruitment work will remain an ongoing priority as the city advances parks, youth‑sports and other destination investments.
