Press Release

Consumer Trends Signal Opportunities for Downtown Retail

Downtowns can make the most of 2010 by emphasizing perks like special services or validated parking — things that independent retailers and restaurants are so creative at doing.

(Boonton, NJ, March 1, 2010) — In the March Perspectives Column of industry newsletter Downtown Idea Exchange, retail consultant Carol Gies tells readers that the recession has created a new downtown consumer with new values and new shopping patterns. By planning a retail strategy around these new consumers, downtowns can better survive the aftermath of the recession and prosper in the recovery.

Several consumer trends triggered by the recession signal real opportunities for downtown retail — that is, for downtowns willing to resist the pressure to fill vacancies with just any retailer. The record number of vacancies, while painful, can also be useful as a window in which to fine tune, reposition or upgrade downtown retail offerings to fit what Gies calls the New Consumer values created by recession — if you have a well-researched retail strategy.

To read Gies' column visit the Downtown Research & Development Center online at http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com/perspectives.php.

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About Downtown Idea Exchange

Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter is published by the Downtown Research & Development Center. For more than 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has provided a forum for exchanging news, information and ideas on how to rebuild the hearts of our cities.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com