City of Tulsa partners with Retail Strategies to bring new economic development

TULSA, Okla. — Big names like Buccee’s and Ikea might be a step closer to coming to Tulsa.

FOX23 learned how a new partnership will add to new development.

PartnerTulsa is listening to what people want, not only for Tulsa, but also for the entire region.

To streamline and strengthen Tulsa’s economic development efforts, PartnerTulsa has teamed up with a group called Retail Strategies, a national retail consultant based in Alabama.

Michelle Barnett, Interim Executive Director of PartnerTulsa, told FOX23 about the partnership.

“That’s where we decided to go is by hiring people who are doing this every single day who have honed their skills in bringing that expertise on behalf of all Tulsans,” she said.

Sarah Beth Stewart with Retail Strategies said as they at potential sites in Tulsa and as they survey customer demand, they'll be asking certain questions.

“What retail is missing from this specific area that would really enhance it without cannibalizing current businesses, but would really add value to those areas so that consumers don't have to drive further away to get whatever good or service they want,” she said

Stewart said they will act as an extension of the economic development staff with City of Tulsa.

They'll be looking at four targeted zones in the Tulsa area with a goal of adding brand names not currently available in any brick and mortar.

"There's all kinds of different brands that are out there that are expanding out of Oklahoma City, out of Dallas, out of Atlanta, and other areas of our country, but they just haven't made it their way to Tulsa yet and would be a really good fit,” Stewart said.

One of those brand names that's the talk of Tulsa and that leaders have pushed recently is Ikea.

Barnett said PartnerTulsa is a public trust that executes the economic and community development activities of the City of Tulsa.

The budget for the partnership isn't all from City of Tulsa taxpayers.

“We're about 85 % self-funded, and about 1 % funded by the citizens of Tulsa,” Barnett said.

PartnerTulsa has already added Costco in south Tulsa and the newest location in northeast Tulsa.

FOX23 has also told you Scheel’s is set to open this fall.

Barnett said as big box stores open shop in Tulsa, they're also helping small businesses grow through their 0% loan program.

Retail Strategies will meet next week with brokers and developers in Tulsa and scope out sites to thoroughly understand the lay of the land and what would add value to the city.

FOX23 will keep you updated on any developments.

If you'd like to tell PartnerTulsa what you'd like to see open up in Tulsa, you can contact them on their website here .