Retail Analysis and Strategy Services

Questions are due by Thursday April 2nd, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

NBRA responses to questions issued as addenda no later than Tuesday April 7th, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

Proposals are due by Monday April 13th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Contract will be awarded within 60 days of the submission deadline.

Project expected to take approximately four months from kick-off to final presentation.

The City of New Bedford, Massachusetts seeks a vendor to provide comprehensive retail analysis and strategy services aimed at strengthening the downtown area, with a special focus on first-floor commercial and retail uses. The selected firm will assess the current landscape of ground-level commercial spaces, including occupancy rates, business types, and physical conditions, and identify barriers to successful retail operations such as regulatory, economic, and social factors.

This study will involve data collection, stakeholder engagement—including property owners, business owners, residents, and officials—and the exploration of best practices from peer cities in the U.S. and abroad. The vendor will recommend policy, design, and programmatic interventions that can attract investment and support a vibrant downtown. Deliverables will include report writing, design and review, the development of policies and implementation toolkits, stakeholder interviews, and thorough analysis of the collected data.

Questions related to this RFP must be submitted by April 2, 2026.