We are pleased to hear an early report from city leaders that Retail Strategies LLC, the company the city hired to promote Albert Lea and its retail opportunities, has engaged 22 retailers about the community, including five retailers who have expressed strong interest in the city.

According to City Manager Chad Adams, there has been a mix of regional and national retailers, including restaurants, clothing and furniture companies, along with fitness, technology and sport companies.

We look forward to seeing where these discussions go in the next six to 18 months and whether they will lead to additional businesses in the community.

Residents have made it loud and clear that they want — and need — more retailers, and we hope this demand will, in itself, provide proof that a new retailer could be successful here. It will also help keep more of the money spent by residents local.

Albert Lea has a variety of needs because of the variety of residents and ages of residents here that we think would be attractive to a potential retailer. The city also attracts many people from neighboring communities who are willing to drive for retail opportunities.

Though it may likely take some time to open a new store, we are pleased to hear the initial interest and think the contract thus far with the firm is proving to be worthwhile.

The true test will be what happens in the coming months.

We will continue to be optimistic.