Niche strategies can help a downtown compete in the competitive retail environment.
A niche is a specialization that allows a business district to gain dominance in certain categories of the retail market. This article provides examples of how some communities have developed a niche focusing on particular goods and services. Many of these ideas were drawn from a new book titled Niche Strategies for Downtown Revitalization by N. David Milder 1 . A cluster of related businesses may include home remodeling, furnishings and decorative design. Specific businesses might include hardware, floor covering, furniture, lighting and paint stores.