Value retail and the retail revenue base

Whether discount or off-price merchant, manufacturer's outlet or category killer, the value alternatives to conventional retail are dramatically increasing their share of the consumer's shopping dollar. In recent years, the value retailer has come to be seen as more than a fringe player in a market dominated by the suburban mall with its traditional department store anchors and national-chain specialty stores. The success of value retail provides promising options for local governments seeking to stabilize and enhance revenues derived from retail development. These options apply in 2 related but distinct areas - the conversion from conventional to value retail at the under-performing regional mall and the revitalization of downtown retail along value lines. Both present opportunities to create jobs and to generate property, sales, and income tax revenues.