2. Where are they from?

3. Where are they from? - Take Two

4. Percent City of Chester by Business
32.5%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%

5. Percent Chester Zip (29706) by Business
71.7%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%

6. Percent “Tourist” by Business
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%

7. The Trade Area Defined
Zip Area Population Visits Visits/1000 Pop
29706 Out Chester 14,127 665 47.07
29729 Richburg 2,277 82 36.01
29706 IN Chester 5,865 499 35.32
29014 Blackstock 1,687 54 32.01
20931 Carlisle 1,288 28 21.74
29726 McConnells 1,782 23 12.91
29712 Edgemoor 2,323 20 8.61
29055 Great Falls 4,577 23 5.03
29714 Fort Lawn 2,919 15 5.14
29015 Blair 1,658 5 3.02
29180 Winnsboro 14,991 13 0.87
29720 Lancaster 44,338 8 0.18
29730 Rock Hill 54,588 20 0.37
29732 Rock Hill 49,485 27 0.55
29745 York 25,225 8 0.32
28216 Charlotte 106,401 3 0.03
29706 Chester 19,992 1,164 58.22

8. Chester Local Trade Areas

9. Chester Local Trade Areas

10. Retail Leakage Study
A study to establish the retail dollars
leaving or entering a community from
its primary and secondary trade areas.

11. A Glance at the Trade Areas
• PTA stores sold $186 million
• PTA Consumers spent $335 million
• Chester Primary Trade Area is LEAKING
$148 million annually overall each year.
• STA Store Sales $15 Million
• STA Consumers spend $85 million
• Secondary Trade Area is LEAKING sales in
the amount of $70 million each year.

12. Chester Retail Leakage 1 of 3
Opportunity Gap - Retail Stores
(Consumer
Expenditures)
(Retail
Sales)
Leakage
(Inflow)
(Consumer
Expenditures)
(Retail
Sales)
Leakage
(Inflow)
Total Retail Sales Incl Eating andDrinking Places 335,582,988 186,844,015 148,738,973 85,119,522 15,020,002 70,099,520
Motor Vehicle andParts Dealers-441 74,357,285 36,139,448 38,217,837 19,268,638 470,555 18,798,083
Automotive Dealers-4411 63,825,564 30,028,886 33,796,678 16,553,715 384,539 16,169,176
Other Motor Vehicle Dealers-4412 4,679,240 3,644 4,675,596 1,209,926 1,209,926
Automotive Parts/Accsrs, Tire Stores-4413 5,852,481 6,106,918 (254,437) 1,504,997 86,016 1,418,981
Furniture andHome Furnishings Stores-442 7,786,374 2,054,861 5,731,513 2,072,111 2,072,111
Furniture Stores-4421 4,197,775 1,610,996 2,586,779 1,099,781 1,099,781
Home Furnishing Stores-4422 3,588,599 443,865 3,144,734 972,330 972,330
Electronics andAppliance Stores-443 6,981,284 3,733,489 3,247,795 1,811,244 74,945 1,736,299
Appliances, TVs, Electronics Stores-44311 5,371,795 2,779,002 2,592,793 1,384,688 38,483 1,346,205
Household Appliances Stores-443111 1,360,317 288,001 1,072,316 346,961 346,961
Radio, Television, Electronics Stores-443112 4,011,478 2,491,001 1,520,477 1,037,727 38,483 999,244
Computer and Software Stores-44312 1,346,267 294,234 1,052,033 356,151 356,151
Camera and Photographic Equipment Stores-44313 263,222 660,253 (397,031) 70,405 36,462 33,943
Building Material, Garden EquipStores -444 37,761,053 3,658,823 34,102,230 9,897,821 601,361 9,296,460
Building Material and Supply Dealers-4441 34,493,854 3,374,233 31,119,621 9,037,771 18,565 9,019,206
Home Centers-44411 13,216,670 3,000,000 10,216,670 3,479,600 3,479,600
Paint and Wallpaper Stores-44412 844,567 14,998 829,569 219,892 219,892
Hardware Stores-44413 2,516,528 155,004 2,361,524 658,241 658,241
Other Building Materials Dealers-44419 17,916,089 204,231 17,711,858 4,680,038 18,565 4,661,473
Building Materials, Lumberyards-444191 5,932,851 69,639 5,863,212 1,574,181 6,328 1,567,853
Lawn, Garden Equipment, Supplies Stores-4442 3,267,199 284,590 2,982,609 860,050 582,796 277,254
Outdoor Power Equipment Stores-44421 536,532 147,876 388,656 140,607 17,827 122,780
Nursery and Garden Centers-44422 2,730,667 136,714 2,593,953 719,443 564,969 154,474
FoodandBeverage Stores-445 41,243,312 28,340,397 12,902,915 9,820,172 2,277,758 7,542,414
Grocery Stores-4451 37,533,734 26,924,447 10,609,287 8,923,092 1,943,443 6,979,649
Supermarkets, Grocery (ExConv) Stores-44511 35,676,349 23,587,139 12,089,210 8,476,223 185,278 8,290,945
Convenience Stores-44512 1,857,385 3,337,308 (1,479,923) 446,869 1,758,165 (1,311,296)
Specialty Food Stores-4452 1,263,647 225,405 1,038,242 298,803 56,755 242,048
Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores-4453 2,445,931 1,190,545 1,255,386 598,277 277,560 320,717
PTA STA

13. Chester Retail Leakage2 of 3
Opportunity Gap - Retail Stores
(Consumer
Expenditures)
(Retail
Sales)
Leakage
(Inflow)
(Consumer
Expenditures)
(Retail
Sales)
Leakage
(Inflow)
Health andPersonal Care Stores-446 18,502,826 10,953,543 7,549,283 4,273,844 1,394,851 2,878,993
Pharmancies and Drug Stores-44611 16,084,724 10,562,542 5,522,182 3,707,616 1,366,370 2,341,246
Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, Perfume Stores 684,920 391,001 293,919 156,306 156,306
Optical Goods Stores-44613 509,030 509,030 131,052 131,052
Other Health and Personal Care Stores-44619 1,224,152 1,224,152 278,870 28,481 250,389
Gasoline Stations-447 37,647,814 55,942,825 (18,295,011) 9,616,490 4,882,683 4,733,807
Gasoline Stations With Conv Stores-44711 28,208,047 38,531,800 (10,323,753) 7,170,596 4,882,683 2,287,913
Other Gasoline Stations-44719 9,439,767 17,411,025 (7,971,258) 2,445,894 2,445,894
Clothing andClothing Accessories Stores-448 13,539,836 3,475,231 10,064,605 3,571,580 2,534,800 1,036,780
Clothing Stores-4481 9,952,163 2,272,482 7,679,681 2,608,203 2,534,800 73,403
Men's Clothing Stores-44811 642,120 34,175 607,945 168,965 18,816 150,149
Women's Clothing Stores-44812 2,424,016 1,048,999 1,375,017 654,893 654,893
Childrens, Infants Clothing Stores-44813 677,285 677,285 154,705 154,705
Family Clothing Stores-44814 5,349,286 5,349,286 1,398,359 2,507,000 (1,108,641)
Clothing Accessories Stores-44815 207,974 126,311 81,663 57,543 8,984 48,559
Other Clothing Stores-44819 651,482 1,062,997 (411,515) 173,738 173,738
Shoe Stores-4482 1,993,274 632,001 1,361,273 503,441 503,441
Jewelry, Luggage, Leather Goods Stores-4483 1,594,399 570,748 1,023,651 459,936 459,936
Jewelry Stores-44831 1,459,486 570,748 888,738 422,343 422,343
Luggage and Leather Goods Stores-44832 134,913 134,913 37,593 37,593
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book, Music Stores-451 5,085,196 535,556 4,549,640 1,331,962 88,325 1,243,637
Sportng Goods, Hobby, Musical Inst Stores-4511 3,819,748 476,502 3,343,246 995,954 34,926 961,028
Sporting Goods Stores-45111 1,935,177 244,502 1,690,675 508,003 34,926 473,077
Hobby, Toys and Games Stores-45112 1,261,339 66,000 1,195,339 323,503 323,503
Sew/Needlework/Piece Goods Stores-45113 289,969 166,000 123,969 76,051 76,051
Musical Instrument and Supplies Stores-45114 333,263 333,263 88,397 88,397
Book, Periodical and Music Stores-4512 1,265,448 59,054 1,206,394 336,008 53,399 282,609
Book Stores and News Dealers-45121 801,078 3,555 797,523 213,591 1,414 212,177
Book Stores-451211 741,736 3,361 738,375 199,068 199,068
News Dealers and Newsstands-451212 59,342 194 59,148 14,523 1,414 13,109
PTA STA

14. Chester Retail Leakage3 of 3
Opportunity Gap - Retail Stores
(Consumer
Expenditures)
(Retail
Sales)
Leakage
(Inflow)
(Consumer
Expenditures)
(Retail
Sales)
Leakage
(Inflow)
General Merchandise Stores-452 39,632,824 14,749,700 24,883,124 9,900,489 779,336 9,121,153
Department Stores Excl Leased Depts-4521 18,040,817 1,838,354 16,202,463 4,581,017 4,581,017
Other General Merchandise Stores-4529 21,592,007 12,911,346 8,680,661 5,319,472 779,336 4,540,136
Warehouse Clubs and Super Stores-45291 18,721,923 10,702,351 8,019,572 4,586,470 779,336 3,807,134
All Other General Merchandise Stores-45299 2,870,084 2,208,995 661,089 733,002 733,002
Miscellaneous Store Retailers-453 8,014,975 3,135,938 4,879,037 2,101,453 104,368 1,997,085
Florists-4531 602,284 1,125,014 (522,730) 157,127 104,368 52,759
Office Supplies, Stationery, Gift Stores-4532 2,956,294 432,996 2,523,298 783,283 783,283
Office Supplies and Stationery Stores-45321 1,681,718 1,681,718 445,423 445,423
Gift, Novelty and Souvenir Stores-45322 1,274,576 432,996 841,580 337,860 337,860
Used Merchandise Stores-4533 619,447 400,726 218,721 163,522 163,522
Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers-4539 3,836,950 1,177,202 2,659,748 997,521 997,521
Non-Store Retailers-454 18,429,780 3,043,531 15,386,249 4,698,769 784,626 3,914,143
Electronic Shopping, Mail-Order Houses-4541 12,577,712 15,130 12,562,582 3,243,210 41,152 3,202,058
Vending Machine Operators-4542 855,147 191,322 663,825 205,305 369,334 (164,029)
Direct Selling Establishments-4543 4,996,921 2,837,079 2,159,842 1,250,254 374,140 876,114
Foodservice andDrinking Places-722 26,600,429 21,080,673 5,519,756 6,754,949 1,026,394 5,728,555
Full-Service Restaurants-7221 11,940,723 9,520,999 2,419,724 3,037,101 3,037,101
Limited-Service Eating Places-7222 11,236,764 9,357,819 1,878,945 2,843,212 1,026,394 1,816,818
Special Foodservices-7223 2,262,922 1,749,471 513,451 572,959 572,959
Drinking Places -Alcoholic Beverages-7224 1,160,020 452,384 707,636 301,677 301,677
GAFO * 75,981,808 24,981,833 50,999,975 19,470,669 3,477,406 15,993,263
General Merchandise Stores-452 39,632,824 14,749,700 24,883,124 9,900,489 779,336 9,121,153
Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores-448 13,539,836 3,475,231 10,064,605 3,571,580 2,534,800 1,036,780
Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores-442 7,786,374 2,054,861 5,731,513 2,072,111 2,072,111
Electronics and Appliance Stores-443 6,981,284 3,733,489 3,247,795 1,811,244 74,945 1,736,299
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book, Music Stores-451 5,085,196 535,556 4,549,640 1,331,962 88,325 1,243,637
Office Supplies, Stationery, Gift Stores-4532 2,956,294 432,996 2,523,298 783,283 783,283
PTA STA

15. Chester CaptureScenario
Retail Stores Primary Secondary
20% of PTA
Outflow
10% 0f
STA
Outflow
Potential
Capture
Sales
per
Square
Foot
Calculated
Capture
Selected Retail Categories Below 22,108,211 4,261,325 26,369,536 161,523
Furniture Stores 2,586,779 1,099,781 517,356 109,978 627,334 141.84 4,423
Home Furnishing Stores 3,144,734 972,330 628,947 97,233 726,180 167.75 4,329
Household Appliances Stores 1,072,316 346,961 214,463 34,696 249,159 245.44 1,015
Radio, Television, Electronics Stores 1,520,477 999,244 304,095 99,924 404,020 207.17 1,950
Computer and Software Stores 1,052,033 356,151 210,407 35,615 246,022 207.17 1,188
Camera and Photographic Equipment Stores (397,031) 33,943 3,394 3,394 542.63 6
Building Material and Supply Dealers 31,119,621 9,019,206 6,223,924 901,921 7,125,845 142.38 50,048
Hardware Stores 2,361,524 658,241 472,305 65,824 538,129 121.08 4,444
Grocery Stores 10,609,287 6,979,649 2,121,857 697,965 2,819,822 371.79 7,584
Health and Personal Care Stores 7,549,283 2,878,993 1,509,857 287,899 1,797,756 247.29 7,270
Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores 10,064,605 1,036,780 2,012,921 103,678 2,116,599 164.60 12,859
Women's Accessory & Specialty 1,375,017 654,893 275,003 65,489 340,493 164.60 2,069
Shoe Stores 1,361,273 503,441 272,255 50,344 322,599 158.81 2,031
Jewelry Stores 888,738 422,343 177,748 42,234 219,982 263.92 834
Luggage and Leather Goods Stores 134,913 37,593 26,983 3,759 30,742 198.82 155
Sporting Goods Stores 1,690,675 473,077 338,135 47,308 385,443 153.46 2,512
Hobby, Toys and Games Stores 1,195,339 323,503 239,068 32,350 271,418 146.28 1,855
Sew/Needlework/Piece Goods Stores 123,969 76,051 24,794 7,605 32,399 74.91 433
Book Stores 738,375 199,068 147,675 19,907 167,582 161.16 1,040
General Merchandise Stores 24,883,124 9,121,153 4,976,625 912,115 5,888,740 133.90 43,979
Florists (522,730) 52,759 5,276 5,276 149.82 35
Gift, Novelty and Souvenir Stores 841,580 337,860 168,316 33,786 202,102 168.55 1,199
Foodservice and Drinking Places 5,519,756 5,728,555 1,103,951 572,856 1,676,807 201.63 8,316
Drinking Places -Alcoholic Beverages 707,636 301,677 141,527 30,168 171,695 88.07 1,950

16. Opportunities
• Downtown --
– Clothing
– Furniture and Home Furnishings
– Dining
– Health and Personal Care
• Some Chester Observations --
– Underserved by grocery stores
– Fast food
– Building material

17. Residential Strategy
Business Strategy
Arts Strategy
Strategies for Downtown Chester
Organizational Strategy

18. • Chester County is proposed to have one of the largest
single tract development in the history of the
Carolinas.
• Once completed (20 year time horizon) Montrose
alone will bring $2 billion in investment and
development equal to about half the size of the City of
Greenville in geography and population.
• Population projections show decline in Chester but
consider this:
Residential Strategy: The Issues

19. • Leesburg/Loudoun: 42.9 miles from Washington
– 1970 37,150 population
– 2000 169,599 population
– 2007 277.237 population
• Lawrenceville/Gwinnett: 39 miles from Atlanta
– 1970 72,349 population
– 2000 588,448 population
– 2007 870,611 population
• Chester/Chester: 49 miles from Charlotte
(60 miles from Columbia)
– 2000 34,068 population
• How will Chester position itself in this situation? In the
City’s situation, it all centers on rooftops.
Residential Strategy: The Issues

20. Downtown Chester will capture its
share of regional growth by setting
the stage for investment in new
housing opportunities and
renovation of existing housing.
Residential Strategy: The Vision

21. • Develop marketing piece promoting
Chester as a residential location.
• Work with local businesses to furnish a
“mock” model residential unit for upper
floor housing.
• Start a faith-based clean up program for
neighborhoods in need: Christmas in
July.
• Pursue residential development as a
component of the rebirth of the
Springsteen site:
The Initial Projects: 2008-2009

22. • Complete environmental assessment of
the Springsteen site.
• Secure option to buy the site.
• Secure Brownfield Voluntary Cleanup
protection for the site.
• Pursue agreement to market property.
• Explore PARD grant for recreational
component.
• Put together RFP for investment profiling
the mill tax credits.
The Springsteen Site: First Steps

26. • Pursue an upper floor and residential
recruitment program with an emphasis on
artists (see next strategy).
• Initiate development agreement for
Springsteen Site with selected developer
partner(s).
• Work with property owners of the Thomas
& Howard Warehouse to market property
for residential development adjacent to a
new “Gateway Park”.
Next Steps: 2009-2013

28. • Complete 40 upper floor residential
units downtown.
• Complete 200 new residential units in
close proximity to downtown.
• Complete 100 residential renovations
throughout the city.
Completion Steps: 2014-2018

29. • “The arts” is a 36.8 billion industry: the arts are real
economic development. (National Governors
Association)
• The “Creative Economy” has become a buzzword in
economic development circles particularly in
communities where industrial recruitment is no longer
an option.
• Chester is strategically positioned between two metro
areas, with a spectacular setting, and still affordable
location.
• Rooftops alone will not be the engine for growth, we
need an authentic catalyst around which to build the
economy and image.
• Chester has something few communities can claim: a
legacy of the arts through the Brainerd Institute.
Arts Strategy: The Issues

30. The Arts will become the
foundation upon which the
economic revitalization and
community unification of Chester
will build. The Arts will bring the
community together, encourage
investment, and foster a unique and
authentic identity for Chester.
Arts Strategy: The vision

31. • Hold a community “summit for the arts” to
gather together artists, patrons, and other
partners to discuss the future.
• Meet with the owners of the Brainerd Institute
to determine appropriate partnership
opportunities.
• Pursue a marketing piece to promote all of the
arts in Chester County using the Chester
Brand.
The Initial Projects: 2008-2009

33. • Pursue an artist residential recruitment strategy
modeled after Paducah, KY and/or ArtSpace
developments:
– 100% financing for purchase and rehabilitation of an existing
structure or the building of a brand new structure.
– Basic loan package is 7% - 30yr. fixed rate up 300% of
appraised value.
– Free lots for new construction as available.
– City will pay up to $2500 for architectural services or other
professional fees.
– National marketing of Lowertown Arts District and Paducah.
• Partner with Brainerd Institute to create an artist
in residence program at the campus.
• Develop Brainerd gallery/studio in downtown
Chester as catalyst/incubator for artists and
businesses.
Next Steps: 2009-2013

36. • Re-open Brainerd Institute as the
Brainerd/Ayers Arts Institute.
– Accredited arts college.
– High school partnership program.
– Artist in residence.
Completion Steps: 2014-2018

37. Business Strategy: The Issues
• Chester is leaking sales to the tune $218 million each
year.
• Major categories where sales are leaking are:
– Clothing
– Furniture and Home Furnishings
– Dining
– Health and Personal Care
• “Suburban” retail will enhance growth for the
community overall.
• It is imperative that a business base continue to grow
in downtown for the sake of the tax base of the city.

38. Chester Capture Scenario
Retail Stores Primary Secondary
20% of PTA
Outflow
10% 0f
STA
Outflow
Potential
Capture
Sales
per
Square
Foot
Calculated
Capture
Selected Retail Categories Below 22,108,211 4,261,325 26,369,536 161,523
Furniture Stores 2,586,779 1,099,781 517,356 109,978 627,334 141.84 4,423
Home Furnishing Stores 3,144,734 972,330 628,947 97,233 726,180 167.75 4,329
Household Appliances Stores 1,072,316 346,961 214,463 34,696 249,159 245.44 1,015
Radio, Television, Electronics Stores 1,520,477 999,244 304,095 99,924 404,020 207.17 1,950
Computer and Software Stores 1,052,033 356,151 210,407 35,615 246,022 207.17 1,188
Camera and Photographic Equipment Stores (397,031) 33,943 3,394 3,394 542.63 6
Building Material and Supply Dealers 31,119,621 9,019,206 6,223,924 901,921 7,125,845 142.38 50,048
Hardware Stores 2,361,524 658,241 472,305 65,824 538,129 121.08 4,444
Grocery Stores 10,609,287 6,979,649 2,121,857 697,965 2,819,822 371.79 7,584
Health and Personal Care Stores 7,549,283 2,878,993 1,509,857 287,899 1,797,756 247.29 7,270
Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores 10,064,605 1,036,780 2,012,921 103,678 2,116,599 164.60 12,859
Women's Accessory & Specialty 1,375,017 654,893 275,003 65,489 340,493 164.60 2,069
Shoe Stores 1,361,273 503,441 272,255 50,344 322,599 158.81 2,031
Jewelry Stores 888,738 422,343 177,748 42,234 219,982 263.92 834
Luggage and Leather Goods Stores 134,913 37,593 26,983 3,759 30,742 198.82 155
Sporting Goods Stores 1,690,675 473,077 338,135 47,308 385,443 153.46 2,512
Hobby, Toys and Games Stores 1,195,339 323,503 239,068 32,350 271,418 146.28 1,855
Sew/Needlework/Piece Goods Stores 123,969 76,051 24,794 7,605 32,399 74.91 433
Book Stores 738,375 199,068 147,675 19,907 167,582 161.16 1,040
General Merchandise Stores 24,883,124 9,121,153 4,976,625 912,115 5,888,740 133.90 43,979
Florists (522,730) 52,759 5,276 5,276 149.82 35
Gift, Novelty and Souvenir Stores 841,580 337,860 168,316 33,786 202,102 168.55 1,199
Foodservice and Drinking Places 5,519,756 5,728,555 1,103,951 572,856 1,676,807 201.63 8,316
Drinking Places -Alcoholic Beverages 707,636 301,677 141,527 30,168 171,695 88.07 1,950

39. Business Strategy: The Vision
Chester’s downtown will re-emerge
as a specialty retail destination for
the region offering a variety of
shopping and dining options for
residents and visitors.

40. • Implement the Chester Brand to promote
the image of the community.
• Develop a Chester shopping and dining
guide.
• Develop improvements to the Lancaster
Street gateway - gateway park.
• Work with property owners to open
storefronts for monthly “antique” “craft”
“art” fair in downtown.
• Launch a downtown ambassadors program
to recruit retailers to Chester.
The Initial Projects: 2008-2009

51. • Develop gateways for Columbia Street and Saluda
Street.
• Develop wayfinding system for Chester.
• Prepare a retail incentive program including:
– Rent subsidies for targeted business types.
– Low interest loans for business upfits.
– Joint marketing program for businesses.
• Redevelop the backlot as a retail expansion/public
space.
Next Steps: 2009-2013

56. • Target net 25 new retail businesses in
downtown.
• Target a net 6 new restaurants downtown.
Completion Steps: 2014-2018

57. • The projects in this plan are complex and
will require creative solutions involving
multiple partners.
• Chester must begin work on these efforts
immediately and unite behind a common
vision for the future… there is no time to
wait.
• There is no “single point of contact” for
investment opportunities in Chester.
• It is time for a renewed economic
development partnership for the City.
Organizational Strategy: The Issues

58. Chester will flourish under a re-
energized partnership between the
City of Chester, local businesses,
key community stakeholders, and
citizens.
Organizational Strategy: The Vision

59. • Create the Chester Alliance:
– A new flagship organization that will lead revitalization
efforts for the City.
– Reconstituted board of directors with representatives
from:
• Shopkeepers
• Major business leaders: Banks, Property Owners, etc.
• Arts Groups
• Partner Groups: County ED, Chamber
• City of Chester
– Use this guide as a benchmark work-program for the
organization.
– Staff the organization: either full-time or circuit-rider.
The Initial Projects: 2008-2009

60. • Consider a capital campaign to fund
improvements.
• Explore Tax Increment Financing and New
Market Tax Credits to fund improvements.
• Alliance commission Strom Thurmond
Institute to study service consolidation
opportunities between the city and county:
– Preserve existing service levels.
– Hold increasing taxes at bay.
– Create efficiencies for all citizens.
Next Steps: 2009-2013