Holiday Shopping Proves Greater Manchester Offers a Great Opportunity for Retail Expansion

Santa isn’t the only one making a list and checking it twice. Residents across Greater Manchester, Tennessee, are drafting holiday gift lists for their family members, friends, and colleagues. Then they head out to local retailers to support their favorite businesses in town.

“Manchester is in a great location with easy access to Nashville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville, but residents don’t have to travel to for their holiday shopping,” says Katy Riddle, Executive Director of the Greater Manchester Tennessee Economic Development Board. “More businesses than ever are opening in our area from both entrepreneurs and national retailers.”

Retailers in Manchester have several reasons to be excited about this shopping season. Here are a few data points that highlight how operating in this area can make the holidays merry and bright.

Retail Customers in Manchester Have Grown by 20%

If your retail business isn’t already in Greater Manchester, now is the time to start planning your expansion. The population in this region has grown by 20% with signs that this trend will continue in the coming years. People are discovering the beauty of Southern Tennessee and the accessibility of this area.

Bring your business where your customers are moving. Explore Greater Manchester and its opportunities for growth in the coming years.  

More Than Half of Customers Want an In-Store Experience

While e-commerce allows customers to buy from any store in the country, shoppers are starting to prefer in-person shopping. According to a survey of 23,000 consumers by EY, 57% of customers “want to see, touch, and feel items before they buy them.” Photoshopped images and AI-generated content have left some consumers unsatisfied, driving them back to stores to confirm that their items meet their quality expectations.

This is great news for existing Manchester retailers. They can tap into this demand for in-person experiences and attract customers with their diverse product lines. Companies that have relied on e-commerce in recent years might want to consider opening storefronts in this region. 

Most People Will Spend Between $400 and $599 This Holiday Season  

Coffee County, Tennessee, where Manchester is located, has a population of 60,000. This means retailers will earn tens of millions in sales from Greater Manchester alone this holiday season. Most people will spend around $500 on gifts and activities, with plenty of residents spending even more.

While the holiday season is one of the biggest periods for retailers, residents of Greater Manchester continue to spend throughout the year. It’s worth it for companies to invest in the region. 

92% of Consumers Shop Locally Monthly

The vast majority of shoppers prioritize buying from local retailers as often as they can, with 92% doing so monthly. Additionally, 57% of customers say they support local businesses weekly.

Many people want to buy from businesses in Manchester instead of ordering from online companies. As more businesses open and franchises expand to the area, residents will have more opportunities to keep money in their communities.  

“There is a lot of local pride in Manchester,” says Riddle. “Residents celebrate when a new store opens and take steps to support it. They want to see new retailers in the area thrive.” 

Work With a Partner Who Can Set You Up for Holiday Success

Strategic retailers are always looking for the next place to move, and Greater Manchester, Tennessee, should be at the top of your list. The local community is actively growing and eager to support new companies that come here. Residents don’t want to drive to Murfreesboro for their holiday shopping – they’re ready for retailers to come here.

If you’re ready to expand into a growing city in an already thriving state, reach out to our team. We’re happy to show you some available commercial sites and ideal retail storefronts. From the first contact to the final ribbon cutting, the Greater Manchester Tennessee Economic Development Board will stand by your side. Happy holidays.