Earlier this year the Davie County Economic Development Commission hired “The Retail Coach,” a recruitment and consulting firm, to help develop and implement a retail sales plan as another way to help grow Davie County.

Specifically, they are working on recruiting more retail, restaurants and entertainment to provide residents more opportunities to buy local.

The Retail Coach is focused on retaining existing businesses and restaurants in the county and keeping current shopping centers vibrant while developing new centers.

“The Davie County EDC believes it is time to direct some attention to growing the retail base. As a small community, with a terrific location connected to a major interstate, we needed the help of an outside professional to assist us with attracting those larger retailers that will help minimize sales leakage, fill vacant storefronts, and expand our retail options,” said Terry Bralley,  president of the commission.

The Retail Coach has gathered a wealth of statistical data: including the retail trade areas for each town, a demographic analysis for the county and a gap analysis which identifies all the sales leakage from Davie County.

Armed with substantive information, The Retail Coach is ready to share that information with the business community.

The Davie County EDC and the Davie County Chamber of Commerce invite all business owners and managers to attend a “Grow Your Retail Workshop” on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Representatives from The Retail Coach will discuss the state of retail in Davie County, retail leakage statistics (what residents buy in other communities/online) and what opportunities there are to expand product and service offerings based on the leakage data.

“Working with the Retail Coach is providing us with the right tools to attract new retail and restaurants that compliment what is already here. They also have useful information to assist our existing businesses to help them grow their customer base and increase their profitability. We know that having more shopping and dining options in Davie County means more jobs and increased sales tax revenues both of which are vital to a thriving local economy, and that is our ultimate goal,” said Carolyn McManamy, president of the Davie County Chamber of Commerce.

To accommodate everyone’s schedule there will be two Grow Your Retail Workshops:

• a breakfast workshop at 8 a.m. at the Granary at WinMock at 168 East Kinderton Way in Bermuda Run, including a light breakfast; or

• the Lunch workshop starting at noon at the Energy United Education Center at 182 S. Salisbury St. in Mocksville, with a light lunch.

Both workshops are free but seating is limited so reservations are required. RSVP to chamber@daviecounty.com or call 336.3751.3304.