Progress In Tuscaloosa Means Business For You.

It’s no secret that when a new store comes to the Tuscaloosa market, it’s an attraction. New and unique shopping opportunities enrich all of the Tuscaloosa market which, in turn, benefit the retailer. New businesses increase job opportunities plus diversify our region plus provide added incentive for those outside the area to visit.

All of this comes back to the retailer in the form of a large consumer base plus more discretionary income for shoppers. Recognized by Money Magazine since 1990 as one the “best places to live” in the United States, it’s our retailers that help contribute to that success. We want you to be a part of what makes Metro Tuscaloosa attractive, like having some of the thousands who attended the University of Alabama sporting events arrive a little early, or stay a little later, to shop at your store.

Your presence in our city, one of the most highly educated in Alabama, gives you access to community and cultural events that enrich Metro Tuscaloosa. Your presence adds shopping opportunities that could make someone choose to live here or a major industrial partner, like Mercedes, to open a plant. Your presence in our solid and diverse economy helps enhance Metro Tuscaloosa’s high standard of living. When it comes down to it, it’s your presence that will increase Metro Tuscaloosa opportunities even more. And it’s those same opportunities that will reward you.

With a growing populace plus increasing buying income, we are hungry for shopping opportunities in Tuscaloosa. No wonder Forbes and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance consistently rank Tuscaloosa as one of the best places in the country to start and grow a business. With two large shopping malls plus 45 or so smaller neighborhood retail areas located around the country plus two downtowns (Tuscaloosa and Northport) undergoing revitalization, and specialized small business and unique shops scattered all around, shopping in Tuscaloosa County draws from all of West Alabama.

Retail sales perennially top the $2 billion mark, and expectations are that sales will grow steady in the years ahead. Shoppers have money to spend. The effective annual buying income for the average household in Tuscaloosa County is expected to rise significantly in the next five years. Developers are seizing opportunities to build new retail sites and expand existing ones with growth in all directions of Tuscaloosa being dramatic. Also, Tuscaloosa’s low tax rates benefit retailers in a twofold manner.

First, our low taxes make it easier to set up shop. Second your potential customers have more income for discretionary spending. Metro Tuscaloosa has made retail a high priority and is offering more than ever to welcome your presence to the Tuscaloosa-Northport area.

Another asset to the Metro Tuscaloosa area is the University of Alabnama. In a recent study conducted by the Center for Business and Economic Reseach the Univeristy was noted to have a 967.7 million dollar impact on the community annual. This infusion of dollars into the local economy is another reason why Metro Tuscaloosa is hot spot for retail and commercial growth. (To view the entire economic impact report from the University of Alabama click here.)

We can help you with customized analysis using our powerful information resources and GIS tools. Here are a few examples of the type of information we can provide.

• Custom Geographic Analysis Based on Radii, Drive Times, Counties, Census Tracts, Block Groups, U.S. Places, DMAs, MSAs, CBSAs, ZIPs and more
• Detailed Demographic Analysis Including Data Collected from the 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2008 with 2013 Projections
• Quick and Accurate Market and Site Location Analysis
• Aerial Photography
• BranchSource Bank Branch & Location Data
• Carrier Route Boundaries and Demographics
• Chain Store Data
• Consumer Expenditure Detail Data
• Crime Index Data
• Cost of Living Index
• Financial Summary Data
• MediaPrints Data
• MOSAIC Cluster Distributions Data
• Movie Theatre Location Data
• Restaurant Trends Data
• Retail Potential Data
• Shopping Centers Data
• Traffic Counts Data

For more information on how we can help you research, start, develop, and grow your business please contact us at (205) 758-7588 or email us at chamber@dbtech.net.