WDCEP Represents DC at National Retailer’s Convention
Next 50 Deals Key to District’s Retail Future
Contact: Raguel Broy Turner
Manager, PR & Communications
202.661.8670
June 8, 2006
Washington, D.C.—At the 2006 International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) spring convention held May 21-24 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) once again led the way in attracting major retailers to the District.
“We are now in the position to reshape the retail identity of the city,” says Steve Moore, Washington, DC Economic Partnership president and CEO, “the District can now choose which retailers we want in the city.” This careful selection of retailers is another indication of the District’s economic strength and continuing growth.
The WDCEP conducted 47 meetings with retailers, brokers and developers representing over 110 individual clothing retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. Retailers such as Old Navy; Apple; Macy’s; Lowe’s Home Improvement; IKEA; TJX companies which includes TJ Max, Marshall’s, A.J. Wright and Home Goods; Applebee’s; Walgreen and Talbot’s expressed interest in locating to the District. While clothiers and restaurants showed a strong interest, grocery store chains were equally excited to learn more about DC’s offerings.
Wegman’s, Safeway, Harris Teeter, Fresh Market, Shopper’s Food Warehouse, Trader Joe’s, Giant Food, Whole Foods, Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club met with the DC delegation and were provided with information on potential sites for stores. “We had a record number of meetings and serious discussions with grocery chains this year. Grocers are interested in locations throughout the city, in particular neighborhoods with high residential density and a lack of grocery presence,” explains Keith Sellars, director of retail attraction for WDCEP.
Using the Economic Partnership’s interactive development database located on this website, retailers were given an overview of planned and soon to deliver development projects throughout the city. Abdo Development showcased its New York Avenue Arboretum site, which provides several parcels for retail and a grocery store.
Additional development sites highlighted included DCUSA, Poplar Point, the Old Convention Center site and the Southeast Federal Center; each has the potential to house large retailers, restaurants and clothing stores.
The DC delegation included Mayor Anthony A. Williams; Council members Marion Barry, Jack Evans and Carol Schwartz; Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Stanley Jackson, City Administrator Robert Bobb; WDCEP president and CEO Steve Moore; NCRC president Anthony Freeman; WDCEP director, retail attraction Keith Sellars; WDCEP director, research and information Chad Shuskey. The delegation also included WDCEP partners Nixon Peabody, Reed Smith and Pepco.
With a record attendance of more than 45,000 at the spring convention, the Economic Partnership made great strides in promoting the District to potential retailers and developers. WDCEP future retail attraction efforts will include a fall Neighborhood Retail Summit and a showcase at MAPIC, the international retail trade show in Cannes, France. “The next 50 stores we add will change dramatically the retail direction of our neighborhoods and emerging retail corridors. Retailers have an excitement about the District that has reached a level unseen in past years and we want to help them locate to DC,” adds Steve Moore.
To learn more about the Washington, DC Economic Partnership retail attraction efforts, please feel free to contact 202.661.8670.
###
The WDCEP is a 501(c)3 non-profit, public/private partnership dedicated to promoting business opportunities throughout DC and contributing to business retention and attraction activities. For more information visit www.wdcep.com/about.