Wadena residents should see expansion with retail and manufacturing in 2007, said Wadena Economic Development Director Dean Uselman.
He has received a lot of spin-off inquiries from other businesses after Wal-Mart decided to open a superstore in Wadena, he said. A clothing store franchise has made inquiries but don't ask him for a name, he said. A name can only be released if and when it is finalized.
Also, Uselman said a representative of the Becker family trust, which owns the field behind Wal-Mart, The Grocery Store by Mason Brothers and Pamida has talked to several interested businesses.
Although Wadena could see retail growth near Wal-Mart, Uselman encouraged people to continue to shop locally.
"Whether or not you like Wal-Mart, we need to keep supporting the local stores as well," Uselman said.
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Day in and day out, the local grocery stores and hardware stores support local activities, he said.
"If we want that support, we need to support the local businesses," Uselman said.
Some businesses, as a result, have undergone renovations.
"There are a lot of very conscientious and very outgoing business owners that have gone the extra mile," Uselman said.
He said The Grocery Store by Mason Brothers and Pamida are examples of businesses that have taken extra steps to stay competitive.
Several local entities have been working to develop customer service training for local businesses.
The entities include the Wadena Development Authority, Partners for a Healthy Wadena Region, the Workforce Center, Rural Minnesota CEP, Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce and Minnesota State Community and Technical College Wadena Campus.
The training would be for managers as well as employees. An example of the training would be when someone enters a hardware store and wants to buy paint, the employee will learn how to greet the customer and ask if he or she also needs a paintbrush, tape or other painting supplies, Uselman said.
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"The goal is for the customer to walk out of the store with at least one more item," he said.
In a restaurant, for example, a server is the sales person. Selling an additional beverage or dessert not only means more for the owner but also more tips for the server, Uselman said. And, after the training, if additional food or beverage aren't sold, the customer will have been treated special and be more likely to return, he said.
Sales can come from displays and advertising as well, he added.
Beyond retail development, Uselman is working with two manufacturing firms that have expressed interest in locating all or part in Wadena. There is a potential for two or three new buildings in the industrial park.
He is excited that all economic areas will see growth and not just retail.
"I think we've got a real positive outlook for retail, manufacturing and service businesses," Uselman said.
