Moses Lake talks about retail stores

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council discussed the lack of retail shopping in the city and what could be done to attract retailers.

City Manager Joe Gavinski said it’s possible for the city to hire someone to conduct a study showing the benefits of doing business in Moses Lake along with demographic and income level information. The study could be given to potential retailers to encourage them to consider locating to Moses Lake.

He explained a drawback retailers face is the economy and the income and wages paid in Moses Lake. He said although there is a strong population amount in Moses Lake and the surrounding area for retailers to sell to, many of those people may not be able to spend enough money for the retail business to be successful.

Grant County Economic Development Council Executive Director Terry Brewer explained development is driven by the marketplace. Until the marketplace is sufficient to do business and sufficient data is ?available, it is hard to envision more retail shopping in Moses Lake.

He explained the EDC is focused on bringing industrial business to Moses Lake and spends little time attracting retail shops but does work with smaller-scale businesses when asked.

Brewer explained how many Grant County citizens are concerned there is no Target, Fred Meyer or similar businesses. He said those types of businesses were presented with information about doing business in Moses Lake and some of their representatives came to the area to see if it were feasible. Some business representatives advised they are not expanding their businesses but will keep an eye on Moses Lake, he said. Other business representatives noted their business model was too large-scale to be successful in Moses Lake but would keep the city in mind if they used a smaller-scale business model.

Population is not the only aspect reviewed by potential businesses, he said. Demographic information such as age, income levels and the amount of tourism traffic are also taken into consideration.

Brewer said he thought by 2010 there would be more retail shopping in the city due to the increase in industrial development but said the economic downturn may have halted it.

Brewer suspects if the city conducts a study to give to potential businesses, it would most likely attract small-scale entrepreneur-type businesses.

Councilmember Richard Pearce said he sees several large vacant buildings around town and asked if there is something the city can do to promote the buildings so someone will occupy them.

Brewer said he didn’t know what more the city could do. He explained he’s worked with owners of some vacant buildings who are working to attract businesses to occupy them.

Community Development Director Gilbert Alvarado said his department is working on a multiple tenant project in one of the vacant buildings.

Brewer assured the council there are no city policies impeding businesses from locating to Moses Lake, rather it is related to the marketplace.

Pearce said he wants citizens to understand the city does not stop business development or make potential business owners leave the area. He said the city favors retail businesses locating to the city.

Councilmember Brent Reese said there was more retail shopping in Moses Lake 20 years ago and the population was much smaller.

“If we had Red Lobster here or an Olive Garden, it would be packed,” he said.

He explained he is frustrated because it seems everyone he knows goes outside the community for clothing shopping.

“We are starving for clothing stores,” Reese said.

Councilmember David Curnel said he favors the city paying someone to do a study on the potential of doing business in Moses Lake to show citizens they are supportive of attracting business.

Originally published March 2, 2010