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Retail recruiters tell York council city’s 28,000-person trade area strengthens pitches; two potential deals expected in months
Summary
Consultants from The Retail Coach told the City of York council that mobile‑device trade‑area analysis shows a retail market of about 28,000–29,000 (versus a city population ~8,400), and that two serious letters of intent could be announced in the next 3–4 months.
Kyle Kofer of The Retail Coach told the City of York council on July 17 that the firm’s targeted retail‑recruitment work has produced stronger prospects for York because its retail trade area is substantially larger than the city’s residential population.
“Community population about 8,400. But when we dive into what we consider your retail trade area of where you pull consumers from, you're just shy of 30,000 at at 28 to 29,” Kofer said, describing the firm’s mobile‑device analysis and how it draws a primary market boundary for retailers.
Kofer said retail recruitment is “extremely data driven in 2025,” explaining that the team uses site visits, property‑owner meetings and a recent community survey to refine prospects. He told council the city’s survey returned a strong response — “it was like 1,500” responses, including students — and that the city’s recent openings (Seven Brew, Freddy’s) helped market York to potential retailers.
Kofer described two serious letters of intent that he said could lead to public announcements in three to four months and characterized retail attraction as a longer process — “an 18 to 24 month deal these days.” He added that many concepts now target smaller footprints (1,800–2,000 square feet) to make deals work in smaller markets.
Councilmembers asked about labor shortages and infrastructure. Kofer said he has not seen a national credit tenant lose a deal because of labor‑force issues: “I have never seen a deal fall through with a national credit tenant due to labor force issues.” He also said staff can provide more detailed infrastructure and site‑availability analysis if council wants the team to focus on a highest‑and‑best‑use assessment of potential development parcels.
Kofer said The Retail Coach holds monthly update calls with city staff and works closely with the mayor and staff to follow prospects and developers. The presentation closed with council and staff thanking the consultants; the consultants said they will continue outreach and follow up on the two pending LOIs.
Next steps: staff and The Retail Coach will continue monthly calls and follow leads; consultant‑led recruitment and site work will continue over the coming 12–24 months.
