Retail Alliance Technical Assistance Team Pilot Project in Phoebus

Building Documentation & Scanning
Building Documentation and Scanning
Community Engagement
Historic Research
Historic Tax Credit Consulting
Local Design Review Consulting
Preservation Planning

Retail Alliance Technical Assistance Team Pilot Project in Phoebus

Location

Hampton, VA

Partners

Retail Alliance

Consociate Media

Angela Knight, Retail Consultant

Sara Harris Photography

Small Business Development Cente

Department of Housing and Community Development

Phoebus Partnership

Seawich Books

Firehouse Coffee

Sly Clyde

Arts Central Gallery

Happy Hempo

Palace Jewelers

Client Goals

The Retail Alliance initiated and managed this pilot project in Phoebus, VA, to bolster small businesses as they emerged from the COVID pandemic. The test group included five competitively selected retailers. They received expert advice from professionals across multiple sectors who identified key areas for growth and improvement.

Project Design

The Retail Alliance established a technical assistance team that provided merchandising, marketing, financial, and design services to selected small businesses in Phoebus. Along with other team members, CPG conducted an assessment of each retail location and provided recommendations tailored to the retailer’s needs. CPG also sought to achieve ADA compliance while maintaining the historic character of the structures. To assist with recommendations, CPG provided a digital scan of each retail space. This resource and accompanying floor plans allowed CPG and other specialists to better understand the physical space.

Challenges & Accomplishments

Retailers, though enthusiastic about the support they received, also had to juggle the various demands of their business. Two of the initial five retailers ultimately had to cease participation due to unforeseen circumstances. A Fort Monroe Retailer replaced one of these businesses close to the project’s conclusion. Despite the shifting that occurred among participating businesses, CPG established rapport with each retailer while working collaboratively with a diverse group of specialists, including representatives from each of the other specialists on the team. CPG, in partnership with the broader team, provided high-quality assessments and recommendations organized by the highest priority items. This approach enabled the retail owners to have a clear and accessible path forward.