Retail Alliance

Retail Alliance We care passionately about the success of our retail community and their accomplishments.

What's the question you answer over and over again? 💡That one question is content. Turn it into a social post, add it to...
09/11/2026

What's the question you answer over and over again? 💡

That one question is content. Turn it into a social post, add it to your website FAQ, work it into an email, or put it on a sign near the register. Same answer, four places, and fewer times you have to explain it in person.

Start with the question you hear most often and put the answer somewhere your customers can find it before they even have to ask.

What question do your customers ask you all the time? 👇

Military spouses, this one’s for you! 💙On September 29, spend the day exploring Hilton Village, connecting with local re...
09/10/2026

Military spouses, this one’s for you! 💙

On September 29, spend the day exploring Hilton Village, connecting with local resources, and meeting others in the military spouse community.

Grab a friend and make a day of it. Shop, stroll, meet some new people, and discover more of what’s right here in Hampton Roads!

Register now to attend: https://bit.ly/4zGrobh

AI can save you time, but only if you know where it actually fits into your business. At Virginia Retail Matters, we’re ...
09/09/2026

AI can save you time, but only if you know where it actually fits into your business. At Virginia Retail Matters, we’re getting practical about it. 🤖

The AI panel will look at how retailers can use AI to take repetitive tasks off their plate, support day-to-day operations, and make marketing feel a little more manageable without needing a huge budget or a complicated setup.

You’ll also get a first look at something new being built specifically for Hampton Roads retailers. Come see what’s useful, what’s worth trying, and where AI could make your day a little easier.

Registration closes tomorrow at 9:25 AM. Grab your ticket while there’s still time: https://bit.ly/47Z1Fid

Registration for Virginia Retail Matters is almost closed. ⏰If you’re a retailer or your work touches the retail industr...
09/08/2026

Registration for Virginia Retail Matters is almost closed. ⏰

If you’re a retailer or your work touches the retail industry, this is a conversation you should be part of. We’ll be releasing this year’s Virginia-focused research on small, independent retail and digging into the trends shaping consumer behavior, business decisions, and the future of the industry.

Retailers, Main Street and economic development leaders, business organizations, industry partners, and others who support Virginia’s retail communities are all invited to join us.

You’ll leave with practical takeaways, fresh perspectives, and connections with people who care about helping small retail thrive.

Registration closes September 10 at 9:25 AM, so grab your ticket while there’s still time: https://bit.ly/47Z1Fid

09/07/2026

For more than 120 years, Retail Alliance has been supporting retailers through education, advocacy, industry connections, and resources designed to help businesses grow and thrive.

But at its core, Retail Alliance has always been about people. The retailers opening their doors every morning, the teams serving their communities, and the businesses that help make Virginia a great place to live, work, and shop.

That's why we're here. To be a resource, a partner, and an advocate for the retail community. We've got your back.

Learn more about membership: https://bit.ly/4rnqz1G

This year’s Virginia Retail Matters report is digging into some of the biggest questions retailers are asking right now....
09/03/2026

This year’s Virginia Retail Matters report is digging into some of the biggest questions retailers are asking right now. 📈

What trends are actually changing the way small businesses operate? How well do you really know the customers walking through your doors? And what happens when you look at retail trends by category instead of treating the industry as one big picture?

The 2026 research takes a closer look at small brick-and-mortar retail, including AI, changing customer expectations, generational spending, and the shifts happening across different areas of the industry.

Understanding those changes can help retailers make smarter decisions about how they reach their customers, build loyalty, and continue to thrive as retail evolves. We’ll unpack the full findings at Virginia Retail Matters on September 24.

Save your seat: https://bit.ly/47Z1Fid

Dr. Matthew Wagner brings nearly 30 years of experience in downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, and economic devel...
09/02/2026

Dr. Matthew Wagner brings nearly 30 years of experience in downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, and economic development to this year’s Virginia Retail Matters research. 🛍️

As Chief Innovation Officer at Main Street America, he leads research, new business support, and the testing of new ideas, tools, and technologies. Throughout his career, he has also led award-winning revitalization initiatives, taught entrepreneurship, and worked across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

At Virginia Retail Matters, he’ll bring that experience to the conversation as he shares this year’s research and helps retailers understand what’s shaping small business retail and Main Street communities.

Hear the research firsthand on September 24: https://bit.ly/47Z1Fid

One more chance to experience Retail Catalyst up close before applications close.Join us for our final Retail Catalyst i...
09/02/2026

One more chance to experience Retail Catalyst up close before applications close.

Join us for our final Retail Catalyst information session on September 14 at Selden Market in Downtown Norfolk. You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the program, ask questions, and get a firsthand look at the community where your business could grow.

📍 Selden Market, 208 E. Main St., Norfolk
📅 September 14 at 5:00 p.m.

As part of the session, attendees will also explore the surrounding commercial corridor and tour available retail properties.

Thank you to Selden Market and Downtown Norfolk Council for collaborating with us to bring this session together.

Retail Catalyst applications are open through September 25. Register for the session here: https://bit.ly/4gGhzBv

09/01/2026

Last holiday season gave you useful clues about what worked, what didn’t, and where things got hectic. Taking time to review that now can make Q4 planning a lot easier. 💡

Your best sellers can help guide inventory decisions. Promotions that performed well can earn another spot on the calendar, and the moments when your team felt stretched can help you plan staffing before the rush begins. A little reflection now gives you more time to make thoughtful decisions instead of reacting once the season is already underway.

Save this for your Q4 planning session, then pick one thing to focus on this September.

Applying for a business growth program is a big decision, and you should have the information you need before taking the...
08/31/2026

Applying for a business growth program is a big decision, and you should have the information you need before taking the next step.

If you've been considering Retail Catalyst but still have a few questions, you're not alone. We've gathered answers to some of the questions prospective applicants ask most often to help you better understand the program and what to expect.

Our FAQ covers topics like eligibility, the application process, CROps participation, technical assistance from the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center and other program partners, and the opportunity to apply for financing through ABNB Federal Credit Union.

Browse the full FAQ and learn more about the application process at https://bit.ly/45fuuFv.

Address

101 West Main Street Suite 905
Norfolk, VA
23510

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17574661600

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