NEDC Looks For Retail Sector Input

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The Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation will be hosting a Nanaimo Business Counts forum focused on the Retail sector in Nanaimo.

The NEDC is working to support the retail industry by gaining direct feedback on the business challenges, obstacles and opportunities that the retail industry feels are critical to its advancement and expansion within the City of Nanaimo. The forum is designed to capture that information and ensure that it is integrated into the future plans of the NEDC to support advocacy, legislative change and marketing initiatives that will drive the retail industry to future success.

The forum will be held at the offices of the NEDC located at 104 Front Street and will be facilitated by a leading expert in garnering significant data on business retention and expansion opportunities within municipalities.

The Retail industry is a vital sector in the overall health of our economy. Economic development is not just about attracting new business but supports the advancement and expansion of those honored businesses that have made Nanaimo their home. The retail sector is the second largest sector in Nanaimo, employing approximately 15% of the labour force. This industry is a key driver of employment for students, entry level management and senior management opportunities that provide jobs for a needed cross section of our demographic. Data proves that the City of Nanaimo is a regional retail service centre and provides retail offerings to a large volume of consumers on Vancouver Island. The NEDC is focused on advancing our retail industry and providing “shopping and retail” offerings to consumers that live in Nanaimo and visitors enjoying our destination.

 

“We are the centre of Vancouver Island and we have a strong buying population that is looking for continuous improvement in what our shopping and retail has to offer. We are driven to ensure that these services exist within our area” says Susan Cudahy, CEO of the NEDC.

Opportunities exist for retailers to engage in the process. Businesses who wish participate are asked to contact the NEDC at 250-591-1551 or katie.ferland@investnanaimo.com.