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Retail consultant tells council Blanchard 'is where the money is' and identifies retail gaps
Summary
Retail Attractions LLC presented market data showing a roughly $200 million local retail expenditure in the 20‑mile trade area and identified sector 'gaps'—notably clothing, furniture, electronics and groceries—that it says the city can target to attract new stores.
Retail Attractions LLC presented the city's retail profile and a 20‑mile trade‑area analysis, arguing the municipality's higher average household income makes it an attractive site for bricks‑and‑mortar retailers. The presenter described a process of identifying retail spending gaps and pitching specific retailers to fill those gaps.
"This is where the money is," the presenter told the council while pointing to household income and spending statistics covering Blanchard and the surrounding 20‑mile market. He highlighted a $280 million gap in clothing and accessories (20‑mile area figures) and large gaps in furniture and electronics, and urged the council to use the data to approach targeted retailers. The presenter said much of the match with retailers is relationship and outreach work — including events like the International Council of Shopping Centers conference where developers sign letters of intent.
Council members asked about specific prospects (Atwoods, Tractor Supply, Bomgar) and online purchase tax treatment; the presenter said use taxes were factored into the retail data and that e‑commerce delivered locally counts as a local purchase when delivered to a local address. Council voted to accept the services resolution for Retail Attractions.
