![CScoun052324RetailRecruit_feat Screen shot from a city of College Station document.](https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CScoun052324RetailRecruit_feat.jpg)
The College Station city council and its staff spent one hour at its last meeting (May 23rd) discussing economic development initiatives.
Part of that discussion involved recruiting more national retailers.
The city’s assistant economic development director, Brian Piscacek, said staff and their consultant are trying “to get a better sense (from prospects) of how much space they need” and “where do they want to be”, such as near campus or in south College Station.
In response, councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha said “wherever they (retailers) want to be, we’ve got shoppers.”
Piscacek also brought up College Station’s Costco store and the construction of specialty outdoors retailer REI as examples to show other national prospects.
Piscacek said half of those shopping at the local Costco are not from the College Station/Bryan area.
When asked about recruiting Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, Piscacek said “they’re on our list” and “we’re looking at all avenues” to bring both to College Station.
The city and its outside consultant on retail recruiting had three focus areas according to presentation materials: retail/entertainment, destination/specialty retailers, and restaurants that are not currently in Brazos County.
Click below to hear comments from the May 23, 2024 College Station city council meeting.