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Analysis of Retail in the Village of Robbins and Alternatives for Revitalization

Consumption of retail goods by residents of Robbins is limited and therefore cannot support many local retail stores. In spite of this, local consumers can support a larger and more diversified local retail sector. Competition from retail malls and large supermarkets makes retail for shoppers' goods largely unfeasible. Chain stores or franchises with experience in low-income communities or retail strips could counter this and succeed in Robbins. Footwear and home improvement businesses are examples of businesses that could be pursued in this category. Discount stores owned by residents could be also explored.

Meanwhile, retail for convenience goods is in limited supply and can be expanded. Existing businesses could be supported to expand or residents could be assisted to develop other retail stores. Grocery stores, restaurants, or home improvement stores are some of the types of businesses possible for Robbins. Consumers, however, should first be consulted about their willingness to patronize new or existing local retail stores and what it would take for them to obtain their retail goods locally. Similarly, there is the need to determine what would bring outside consumers to shop in Robbins. This type of consultation would be also needed to examine other alternatives and to develop definite plans for retail revitalization.

The Village of Robbins should definitely explore the possibility of a retail development that could provide a core for the town. A mixed concept of retail and other compatible uses should be given serious consideration. The town's public administrative and police facilities could be part of this complex. A mini-mall could help also. Certainly, these efforts should be accompanied by strategies confronting issues of image, security, upkeep, decor improvements and other elements identified in the text.

Currently, Robbins residents obtain a large portion of their sporting, furniture, footwear, home improvement, drug, grocery, dining, department store, and apparel goods outside the village. There are no stores in many of these categories in the municipality. Existing stores in these and other categories cannot satisfy local consumption of these goods. Development of any of these types of stores in Robbins should be definitely considered. Success, however, will largely depend on concerted efforts among local authorities, real estate owners, retailers, and consumers.

By all indications, the Village provides auto after care services to residents of other communities. The Village may want to strengthen this retail export sector. For this purpose, it should talk to retailers in this field and explore ways in which they can be helped to expand their clientele. Concepts such as development of an auto after care park should be considered.

Finally, given its limited population and income, the Village could coordinate its retail revitalization efforts with neighboring towns. Not only would this maximize available local resources, but it might also help obtain outside assistance from the county, the state, or federal agencies.

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