Six Arkansas Communities Chosen for 2025-26 Retail Academy Program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September 10, 2025) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has selected six Arkansas communities to participate in the 2025-26 Retail Academy program. The participating communities include Arkadelphia, Berryville, Malvern, Nashville, Russellville, and Walnut Ridge.

The Retail Academy program provides rural communities with online education, market research, and technical assistance to help them with recruiting retail opportunities to their region. The program provides local leaders with the resources and knowledge needed to recruit and support retail and restaurant businesses in their communities.

“Building strong communities requires many different elements, including retail opportunities, to attract and retain residents, fueling local growth,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Retail Academy program is designed to help local communities with retail attraction, offering specialized training and resources to grow their retail base. AEDC is proud to announce the latest cohort of communities to participate in the Retail Academy program and looks forward to seeing these communities attract new retail companies.”

Retail Academy was developed by Retail Strategies, a Birmingham, Ala.-based municipal consultancy firm focused on retail recruitment and downtown revitalization, and will be administered by AEDC’s Community Development Division. Specific services and resources offered during Retail Academy include customized training, peer analysis, demographic overviews, a retail marketing guide, networking opportunities, and access to online courses.

“Rural communities need intentional support in retail recruitment because it is a vital part of a holistic economic development strategy,” said Lacy Beasley, president of Retail Strategies. “AEDC understands the importance of equipping rural Arkansas towns with the tools to compete, and their support allows these six communities to participate in the Retail Academy program. We’ve seen proven success from communities that have gone through the program in past years, and we are excited to continue that momentum so Arkansas can capture more national retailers and restaurants. These investments lead directly to stronger sales tax revenue, increased property values, new jobs, and ultimately an enhanced quality of life for residents.”

The 2025-26 Retail Academy program begins September 25, 2025 and runs through September 2026.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES

“Being selected for the Retail Academy positions our community to better recruit and support retail opportunities that meet local needs,” said Shelley Short, president and CEO of the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce. “For rural areas, attracting the right mix of retail is not only about shopping options — it’s about strengthening quality of life, boosting our economy, and creating vibrant places where people want to live and work.  We are truly thankful to be chosen for this program and look forward to putting its strategies into action for the benefit of our community.”

"The vast majority of our revenue for the City of Berryville general fund comes from retail businesses," said Dean Lee, economic development director for the City of Berryville.  "This opportunity with the Retail Academy program will enhance our efforts to attract and support retail businesses in our community and stimulate economic growth."

"We're proud of our business community and all we have to offer in the Malvern area, and we appreciate our friends at AEDC for presenting this opportunity,” said Lance Howell, executive director of the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce. “We expect Retail Academy to help us hone our retail development efforts and ultimately grow Hot Spring County with businesses that fit the needs of our residents and visitors."

"We’re excited to be chosen for the Retail Academy,” said Vanessa Weeks, director of Howard County Economic Development. “With our new Community and Economic Development Plan in place, this opportunity comes at the perfect time to focus on retail strategies that will support local businesses, strengthen our community, and drive future growth."

“Local retail development has accelerated over the last few years, so we are excited that the Russellville Chamber has been selected for the 2025 Retail Academy,” said Dr. Megan Selman, president and CEO of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce. “This training will equip our team with the strategy and insights necessary to support our evolving retail landscape and drive economic growth. We are thankful for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and its partner, Retail Strategies, for making this opportunity available to communities like ours!”  

“We are thrilled that the City of Walnut Ridge has been selected for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Retail Strategies program,” said Graycen Bigger, executive director of the Northeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority. “Walnut Ridge has worked hard to recruit new industry and diversify its economy. This opportunity will strengthen Walnut Ridge’s ability to attract new businesses, support entrepreneurs, and enhance the quality of life for Lawrence County. At NEA Intermodal, we’re proud to support innovative efforts like Retail Strategies that drive economic growth and build stronger, more vibrant rural communities.”

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About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.