Top 10 Tips for Winning at ICSC*

The International Council of Shopping Center’s annual convention in Las Vegas has become a major part of many communities’ retail marketing efforts. Making the trip to Las Vegas a successful investment of time and resources requires an understanding of not only the magnitude of this convention but how to navigate the show and exhibit areas.

With 2 million square feet of exhibits and more than 1,300 companies attending, following best practices will help you return home a winner:

Tip 1 – First find out which companies are attending by getting a list of attendees from ICSC.

Tip 2 – Begin setting appointments with target retailers and developers weeks and even months before the convention. Don’t delay, as many schedules of company representatives fill up quickly. This important tip alone can make ICSC a win for your community.

Tip 3 – Understand that this show is less about making deals and more about building relationships. Attending one time begins the process, but to have any degree of success a minimum commitment of attending for three years should be considered.

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* ICSC does not collaborate with Buxton or endorse Buxton’s promotional materials regarding their annual convention.

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Retail and Rural America - Part 1

The quest for retail prevails in most communities. Regardless of shape, size or population the need to shop and dine at home permeates the public sector. Under the auspices of this premise, Cloud Corp EDC began the conversation around retail in rural America. Does it exist? What can be done to identify concepts that are attracted and willing to locate in more remote areas?

What follows is a series of short radio interviews that are geared around knowing your customers – yes, even in rural America. Knowing who you are as well as what that means in dollars and cents to a retailer creates opportunities to cultivate existing businesses as well as identify retailers that are seeking customers.