FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Caroline Hannum
Retail Strategies
caroline@retailstrategies.com
Retail Academy has launched an online version of its retail and real estate education courses, now available on demand, accessible from anywhere. In the current state of COVID-19, Retail Academy Online equips businesses with tools and resources to navigate economic distress, while taking necessary safety precautions.
Retail Academy is designed to educate city leaders on retail and business recruitment, real estate, and small business support. As businesses and communities continue to adjust to COVID-19, Retail Academy provides local leaders and businesses the necessary tools to continue recruiting and supporting retail and restaurant businesses.
“Everyone has made adjustments due to COVID-19 public health crisis. Several of these innovative solutions are ultimately improving programs and customer experiences. That is certainly the case with the new online Retail Academy.
Lacy Beasley, President, Retail Strategies
“Everyone has made adjustments due to COVID-19 public health crisis,” said Lacy Beasley, president of Retail Strategies. “Several of these innovative solutions are ultimately improving programs and customer experiences. That is certainly the case with the new online Retail Academy. The depth of content and access to industry professionals via video has enriched the end-user experience. Pacing the educational modules for the time and place most convenient for the participant is an added convenience. We designed the course to have interactive quizzes, homework assignments, videos, and and library of resources that are all delivered in an organized flow. Additional one-on-one calls following the online course allow for interactive dialogue to address specific topics most relevant for the community’s customized retail recruitment strategy.”
Retail Academy typically takes place in the Birmingham, Alabama office of Retail Strategies. Participants of the program travel to the office for a two-day training period. The Retail Academy course training includes Trends, Players, Pitch & Process, and Real Estate 101 & Recruitment Tools. Participants are now provided the ability to go through the course at their own pace.
“I really, really loved this class. The demographic section was eye opening. It finally feels like we can direct our own destiny instead of just waiting for things. We can’t wait to get to work.
Matthew Hepner, City Councilman, East Wenatchee, Washington
The online course also includes access to a resource library with a series of recorded sessions with local, regional and national retailers, brokers, and developers. The resource library answers the questions asked by communities and educates them on to foster new businesses. Additionally, the library provides contact information for communities to utilize if they have an opportunity in their market.
“Retail Academy provides a toolbox of resources to empower communities to take advantage of economic opportunities,” said Madeline Farr, Director of Retail Academy. “Given the disruption of COVID-19, this program provides additional aide and strategic solutions to allow communities to continue their growth. This process is now further streamlined with the introduction of the online platform.”
Madeline Farr, Director of Retail Academy
About Retail Academy
Retail Academy is a program developed from the leading national retail advisory firm, Retail Strategies. The program assists communities in strengthening their retail landscape. Communities will be trained and equipped with the tools and education necessary to attract new retailers to their markets, while providing support to their existing local businesses.
