Greater Omaha actively supports the retail market with a vision that includes in-fill development to meet the needs of underserved core areas of the metro, and a focus on attracting upscale fashion retailers. In fact, nearly 60 national retail chains have moved to Greater Omaha over the past two years, resulting in an increasingly vibrant and profitable retail environment.

• With more than 1.2 million consumers within an hour’s drive, a significant number and variety of retailers and restaurateurs have invested in the Greater Omaha area resulting in an increasingly vibrant and profitable retail environment. In fact, retail space in Greater Omaha has increased by 45 percent over the last four years.

• Total retail spending for the metro area is $14 billion – with opportunity gaps in many categories and multiple in-fill, urban retail opportunities available.

• With an average household income nearly $1,000 higher than the national average and a cost of living 10 to 12 percent lower than the national average, Greater Omaha is a strong, regional retail market.

• High spending power and a demonstrated demand for retail products is evident in the outstanding success of many of Omaha’s national retailers, including Coach, J.Crew, Pottery Barn, Urban Outfitters and Whole Foods Market.

• Highlighting it’s commitment to retail development, the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership is an active member in the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). The Partnership participates each year in ICSC’s Global Real Estate Convention, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, Greater Omaha will be the host city for ICSC’s Idea Exchange in January 2009.