Project Start: 2007
downtown works began working in downtown Nashville in 2007; within a year, 20 new retailers had opened their doors in "Music City USA."
Nashville's retail hits a high note
Hired by the Nashville Downtown Partnership to create and implement a Retail Merchandising Mix Plan and Retail Strategy, downtown works considered both Nashville's strengths - for one, its offerings attracted lots of tourists - and weaknesses - in particular, it was struggling to serve its resident and employee markets.
Identifying three distinct areas within Nashville's ninety square block Business Improvement District, our team developed Merchandise Mix Plans with guidelines for ideal stores and phases that included
priorities based on each area's unique characteristics and potential customer markets.
We also directed the hiring and training process for a Retail Recruiter. Under our guidance, she developed a marketing piece and began reaching out to local and national retailers. We initially focused her efforts on activating four critical blocks in the central business district area; one of the blocks was branded as "Avenue of the Arts" and was already home to several successful galleries.
As the process of revitalizing Nashville's retail economy unfolded, our team
continued to meet with key property owners and stakeholders in order to bring them together around a shared vision. Since downtown works' involvement, 48 stores have announced openings in downtown Nashville, including both local and national retailers like Urban Outfitters, Betty Boots, Casablanca Coffee and Cantina Laredo.
