New results from a biennial survey of Downtown residents and workers reveals a need for more retail
TAMPA, FL – In the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s 2020 Downtown Worker and Resident survey, both residents and workers identified retail as one of the most significant needs in the city’s urban core, with Target as their top choice to fill the gap. The Partnership’s full survey results will be presented tomorrow at the 25th Annual Downtown Development Forum entitled State of Tampa’s Downtown, held virtually this year from April 7th – 9th, 2021.
Over 50% of residents said they’d like to see a large retailer Downtown. A majority, 40%, named Target as the big-box retailer they’d most like to see, with 33% of residents saying they would not like a big-box store in Downtown at all. Brands like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods came in at a far distant second place, earning only a nod from only 5% of survey respondents. Ninety-five percent of residents said they would use a grocery store if there were one, and the same number said they would use retail. Target fits both of those bills.
For Downtown workers, parking is the greatest need, with 31% saying it needs improvement. But retail came in at number two with 23% calling it insufficient – 35% of workers named Target as their first choice for a big box store Downtown. Publix and Walmart tied for second place at 5%.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership created a baseline in 2008 with its first survey of residents and workers. The study has been conducted every other year since making this the seventh survey. Previous studies resulted in enhanced accessibility to the river, more waterfront dining, events in the parks, new museums and attractions, extended operating hours for transportation and merchants, full-service grocers, and more. Registration for the Downtown Development Forum is still open, and more information can be found at TampasDowntown.com.
