Retailers Adapting To The Market

Shifting priorities are impacting the way consumers want to shop, and retailers are changing their site selection in response.

Industrial development around Tomball helps boost the retail boom. Interchange 249, located on Tomball Parkway directly south of Grand Parkway, broke ground in March following an announcement by the retail giant, Macy’s, Inc., to move into a 900,000-square-foot distribution center in Interchange 249. The entire development anticipates three million square feet of class A industrial and retail space.

Nearby, Tomball Business & Technology Park is a 99.5-acre park fully served with all utilities, provides off-site detention, and has quick access to Tomball’s expanding infrastructure. Business Facilities ranks the TEDC-operated Park as a top 10 industrial park in the nation for two consecutive years.

Tomball’s flourishing present and promising future make it an ideal place for retail investment. Measured growth, committed leadership, and cultural charm lay the framework for an enchanting residential haven that supports a welcoming retail environment.

For more information, visit tomballtxedc.org.

Business Development Booms In Wheeling, IL

With over 850 businesses, Wheeling, IL, offers a unique balance of national retailers, independent small businesses, corporate facilities, and restaurants. Over the last five years, Wheeling has become a hub of construction activity, especially mixed-use and luxury residential developments. A diverse and dynamic community of 40,000, Wheeling is growing, with thousands of new residents—from young professionals to empty-nesters—arriving to enjoy its valuable amenities.

Why Wheeling? With great proximity to major highways and interstates, including IL-53, I-294, and I-94, Wheeling is strategically located in the Chicago North Shore trade area.

Wheeling residents who work in Chicago or travel to other cities benefit from easy access to the Metra commuter rail service that connects them to O’Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago in less than an hour.

Retailers
The Wheeling Town Center sits in the heart of Wheeling, IL. (Photo: Courtesy of Lynmark)

Those seeking an escape to nature enjoy proximity to the 100-acre Heritage Park, as well as hiking and biking trails along the Des Plaines River. The Village is dedicated to making Wheeling a community where residents, businesses, and employees can balance work with an excellent quality of life.

Restaurant Row. Regionally, Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling is known as “Restaurant Row,” which offers a wide array of dining and entertainment options. This year alone, three new restaurants are set to open: Yu’s Mandarin, District Brew Yards, and West Town Bakery.

Incentives. Wheeling has four Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts and awards a Restaurant and Retail Grant. Retail and small food and beverage businesses can receive up to $50,000 in matching funds toward buildout costs under the grant, while large sit-down restaurants can receive up to $100,000.

Transforming The Village Of Wheeling One Project At A Time. Wheeling’s projects speak for themselves. The Village has achieved its longstanding vision of establishing a vibrant town center around Wheeling’s Metra station with the recent construction of transit-oriented developments. Over 1,000 new apartment units have been built within walking distance of the station, and just steps away from recreational amenities, food, and retail options.

The $110 million Wheeling Town Center development features 301 luxury apartments and over 100,000 square feet of retail space. Uptown 500, located a block north, offers 321 luxury apartments and 10,000 square feet of available retail or restaurant space.

Less than a mile west, a new development is under construction. London Crossing will include 55 rowhomes and approximately 33,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, including three proposed drive-through facilities.

“Wheeling has transformed from a quiet suburb to a modern community that has new luxury housing, outstanding parks, and quality school districts,” said Village President Patrick Horcher. “The Village Board is committed to providing avenues for new developments and retail growth, especially along the major corridors of Milwaukee Avenue and Dundee Road.”

For more information, visit www.wheelingil.gov

Waco, TX: The Next Great City

In a recent economic analysis report, Waco-based and world-renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman declared “there is reason to believe that Waco will continue to emerge as the next great Texas city.”

For those living in the community and witnessing firsthand the tremendous growth of the region, the statement is less of a prediction and more of a certainty. Companies looking for an affordable, growing community that offers access to talent, resources, and pro-business leadership should look no further than Waco.

Now a travel destination with more than two million annual visitors and one of the hottest residential real estate markets in the U.S., Waco is on the rise. Population growth is accelerating; the talent pool is rich and diverse; the community is reinvesting in its infrastructure; and individuals can maintain a healthy personal and professional life balance.

Diversified Industry Partners. Waco has always been a driving location for commerce across a diverse group of industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, professional services, and healthcare. Global brands, including Mars Wrigley Confectionery, Knauf, and many more are manufacturing products every day in Waco for North American and international distribution.

Waco’s rich aviation history has established a strong foundation for continued growth in aerospace. More than 40 aviation companies call Greater Waco home and are primarily located amongst the three area airports (Texas State Technical College Airport, Waco Regional Airport, and McGregor Executive Airport). The diversity within this industry is well represented with the region ranging from general aviation (RAM Aircraft) and defense (L3Harris) to space flight (SpaceX).

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Land in Waco. Amongst the numerous reasons businesses are locating in Greater Waco is the ample and affordable land. More than 11 area business parks totaling more than 15,000 acres are supporting industrial and business activities.

Within Waco, the Waco Industrial Foundation’s 3,500-acre, master-planned Texas Central Park, located near I-35 and Highway 6, offers the highest concentration of industrial business and skilled labor in the region.

Talent. Within these business sectors, the community has developed a significant labor force of skilled individuals and the educational resources necessary to sustain and grow the talent pipeline. As a regional economic hub, Waco has a labor shed of more than 430,000.

Our higher education partners at Baylor University, Texas State Technical College, McLennan Community College, Texas Tech, and Tarleton State are supporting more than 30,000 students within our community, that are eager for the ability to stay in Waco.

Community Support. Waco prides itself as a business-friendly community. Local leaders approach the economic growth of the community by partnering together for success. The City of Waco and McLennan County along with other Greater Waco communities work in collaboration to create long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with corporate citizens.

Visit WacoEconomicDevelopment.com.

Check out all the latest economic development, corporate relocation, corporate expansion and site selection news related to the retail industry.