Center City District’s role in strengthening and growing the downtown retail mix 

CCD works alongside public agencies and private business partners to strengthen investment and create a thriving retail environment within Center City by: 

• Identifying the specific types of retail stores most likely to be favored by Center City residents, visitors and office workers through direct outreach and market analysis; 
• Identifying retailers currently looking to expand into Center City, and connecting tenants with available storefront locations; 
• Providing marketing and collateral material promoting Center City as an economically vibrant retail market; 
• Assessing Center City’s competitive advantages and potential as a retail market by diving deep on the spending power, foot traffic, visitor volumes and other metrics that make our urban core uniquely dynamic 
• Fostering connections and relationships between property owners, brokers, and business owners; 
• Working alongside existing retailers to promote Center City as the premier retail destination in the region. 
• Coordinating responses to quality-of-life matters including maintenance of public spaces, graffiti removal, homeless outreach services, loss prevention programs, and other crime and safety issues. ​
   

Retail Attraction 

Center City’s growing population, returning workforce, high volumes of visitors, and regional transit connectivity make it a unique hub for retail. It combines first-to-market digitally native brands, urban versions of mall staples, 1,000+ homegrown and local businesses, and a world-renowned dining scene in a highly walkable mixed-use setting. CCD’s retail attraction toolkit helps make the case for Center City’s competitiveness through:  

• Data collection and research reports 
• Interactive live database of storefronts available to rent 
• CCD’s Open Streets program driving foot traffic and commerce to major commercial corridors  
• Benchmarking how Center City Stacks Up 
• Fostering relationships with Center City brokerage partners 
• Primary outreach to prospective retailers 
• Promoting Center City through success story testimonials 
• Assisting property owners and brokers in preparation for retail tours 

Promoting and assisting existing retailers 

CCD has played a crucial role in marketing and promoting downtown retailers and restaurants for decades, with longstanding programs including Restaurant Week and Center City SIPS. More recently, we’ve hosted small businesses and makers in our marketplaces at Dilworth Park, and in 2024 we rolled out our Open Streets program. Now in its second year, we partner with City agencies to pedestrianize sections of Center City to enable car-free shopping, strolling and socializing. Our administrative staff is here to provide assistance in a variety of ways: 

• Assisting with new store openings and events with marketing and digital media 
• Increasing retailer visibility through social media campaigns, e-mail newsletters, and promotional activations 
• Coordination with law enforcement around security and loss prevention 
• Graffiti removal, sidewalk cleaning, and homeless outreach 
• Connecting business owners to financial assistance and incentives 
• Supporting businesses navigating licensing, permitting, and zoning questions 
• Sponsorship opportunities through CCD-operated events and activation and pop-up events in CCD-managed parks