Economic Development Director Ashleigh McHugh delivered an encouraging update on Zachary’s retail recruitment efforts during last Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the City and Retail Strategies. Later, she shared additional insights into how Zachary is positioning itself for continued growth.

For over seven years, Retail Strategies—a national consulting firm focused on economic development—has worked to connect Zachary’s available commercial sites with national brands. Recent retail additions like TJ Maxx, Five Below, Bealls, Harbor Freight, and Aldi reflect the fruits of that long-term relationship.

While some might assume Aldi’s entry came solely from its acquisition of Winn-Dixie, McHugh clarifies that Retail Strategies played a proactive role. “Retail Strategies has been actively recruiting Aldi on our behalf since 2017,” she explains. “Yes, Aldi acquired several Winn-Dixie stores—but not all. The fact that ours was selected speaks volumes about the groundwork Retail Strategies laid to position Zachary as a strong candidate.”

McHugh also pointed to TJ Maxx, which has long been on the community’s wish list. A previous attempt to bring the retailer to Zachary dates back to 2016, when it was included in a proposed development alongside a Neighborhood Walmart. That project, which would have brought in an estimated $500,000 annually in sales tax revenue, did not come to fruition—highlighting the complexities of balancing growth with community feedback.

“That’s $4 million in tax revenue we’ve lost,” says Mayor David McDavid. “It’s still haunting us a little bit.”

Today, the City is focused on moving forward. Since taking office in late 2022, Mayor McDavid has reestablished the City’s Department of Economic Development and hired McHugh as its director—demonstrating a renewed commitment to proactive, intentional growth. Together with Planning & Zoning Director Bryant Dixon, McHugh is in regular contact with Retail Strategies, sharing updates on available properties and development opportunities.

A key part of their approach is ensuring that commercial sites are visible and accessible to national brands, which means being listed on commercial databases like Crexi, LACDB, and LoopNet. McHugh noted that pocket listings or for-sale-by-owner properties often fly under the radar of developers. “If a site isn’t easily searchable, it’s unlikely to get the attention of a brand looking to expand,” she told Council members.

Public perception also plays a larger role than many realize. During an earlier meeting, a councilmember asked Retail Strategies whether negative community chatter online is unique to Zachary. “It’s everywhere,” he confirmed. But because platforms like Facebook are public, these comments can unintentionally influence outside perceptions.

Many major brands are part of larger franchise groups—like GoTo Foods (McAlister’s Deli, Jamba, Schlotsky’s), Bloomin’ Brands (Outback, Carrabba’s), and Unleashed Brands (Urban Air, The Little Gym). When one brand is criticized publicly, those impressions can ripple across the entire family of franchises. “Comments in online forums may seem harmless, but they can have a lasting impact on how developers assess a community,” McHugh says.

In today’s competitive economic climate, cultivating a reputation as a business-friendly city matters. The administration remains committed to positioning Zachary as a place where residents, retailers, and developers alike see long-term value.

That long-term vision also includes physical expansion. Mayor McDavid has made it clear that annexation is a cornerstone of Zachary’s future growth strategy. “We’ve got to think long-range,” he says. “My goal is to annex in everything we can, all the way to the Mississippi River.” He envisions a future where barges can tie up along the levees, generating rental income and possibly supporting a deepwater port—another potential revenue stream for the city.

To the south, McDavid hopes to annex land up to Heck Young Road, where a proposed industrial development is under consideration. That area is also being eyed by the City of Baker, meaning the two municipalities could eventually meet at that border. He notes that these areas are already within the coverage area of Zachary’s Fire Department, and cites the recent annexation of the new Gerry Lane dealership as proof that expansion is already underway.

While landowners must agree to be annexed, McDavid believes the benefits of joining the City far outweigh the concerns. “Why wouldn’t they want to?” he asks, before acknowledging that some residents are hesitant due to fears of losing rural freedoms, like burning brush or hunting on their property. Even so, he sees annexation as a crucial part of growing Zachary’s economic footprint in a smart and sustainable way.

“We’re building relationships and creating a foundation for thoughtful, sustainable growth,” says McHugh. “There’s a lot to be excited about.”