City of Hampton Economic Development, Retail

Retail

Hampton is quickly becoming the preferred location in the region for retail and entertainment, strengthening Hampton’s position as a regional retail hub and visitor destination. It is a billion dollar industry in Hampton and is the city’s second largest source of local tax dollars.

The local retail landscape is an eclectic mix of traditional national and regional tenants with a healthy population of small locally owned businesses and one-of-a-kind owner-operated stores and restaurants.

The nature of Hampton’s retail market is growing stronger and more dynamic in large part because of the city’s economic development initiatives supporting the development of new mixed-use, retail, entertainment, high-density higher-value housing and tourism projects. This effort combined with a sizable consumer market attributed to the city’s large military presence and it’s location along a high volume tourist corridor makes Hampton the ideal place for retail investments.

The results of these key initiatives are evident. A recent citywide study conducted by Economic Research Associate supports the development of an additional 784,000 square feet of retail space in Hampton over the next several years. Developer interest, new business announcements and openings, and retail sales increases document the success of these initiatives. Taxable sales have increased over 14% in the past five years.

Join the best, as Hampton takes the top position as the region’s unique entertainment, dining and shopping destination for Hampton Roads residents and visitors.

A sample of major projects include:

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

One of the most successful lifestyle retailers and tourist destinations in the country, Bass Pro Shops is the #1 tourist destination in their home State of Missouri and all of their stores attract customers from hundreds of miles away.

Hampton’s Bass Pro Shops opened in November 2004 as an anchor to The Power Plant of Hampton Roads. The Hampton store attracts 1.5 – 2 million visitors per year and has stimulated extensive spin-off development.

The Power Plant of Hampton Roads

One of the country’s leading and most respected developers of entertainment projects in the United States. Cordish has won an unprecedented five Urban Land Institute Awards of Excellence, the highest possible national award for excellence in development.

The Power Plant of Hampton Roads is named after Cordish’s signature project—The Power Plant, Baltimore. This lifestyle, retail entertainment center is anchored by Bass Pro Shops, and a restaurant and entertainment district which surrounds an eight-acre lake and has become one of Hampton Roads premier nightlife destinations.

Embassy Suites Convention Center Headquarters Hotel

Named 2003 “Corporate Hotelier of the World” by Hotels magazine, John Q. Hammons is one of the most respected hotel developers in the country and a true industry icon.

Hampton’s Embassy Suites serves as the convention headquarters hotel for the new 344,000 square foot Hampton Roads Convention Center. This 295-room, full service hotel opened in August 2005 and has the superior features of a John Q. Hammons development.

Hampton Economic Development
One Franklin Street, Suite 600
Hampton, VA 23669
Tel (800) 555-3930
(757)727-6237
Fax (757)727-6895