Kinston, a city in eastern North Carolina, is set to receive national attention this weekend. The A+E television series “The Real Estate Commission” will feature the city in its season finale, highlighting a new retail development that signals growing investor interest in smaller American markets.
The episode, airing Saturday, November 1 at 10 p.m., follows the process of bringing a national off-price retailer, Label Shopper, to the city. This development is seen as a significant step in the area's economic revitalization, bringing new jobs and commercial activity.
Key Takeaways
- Kinston, North Carolina, will be featured on the season finale of A+E's “The Real Estate Commission.”
- The episode focuses on the opening of a new Label Shopper store at Westgate Plaza.
- It highlights a national trend of retailers and developers investing in smaller, non-metropolitan markets.
- Commercial broker Todd J. Drowlette is featured for his role in securing the deal after a two-decade relationship with the retailer.
- The story showcases North Carolina's business-friendly environment as a key factor in attracting commercial growth.
A National Spotlight on Local Growth
For several days this fall, film crews were a common sight in Kinston. They were not documenting a historical event or a local festival, but rather the intricate process of a commercial real estate deal. The result of their work will be broadcast to a national audience, placing Kinston at the center of a conversation about economic development in America's smaller cities.
The focus of the episode is the successful opening of a new Label Shopper location. The off-price retailer, which now operates over 80 stores nationwide, selected Westgate Plaza on West Vernon Avenue for its latest expansion. This move is more than just a new store; it's a vote of confidence in Kinston's local economy.
The television series, “The Real Estate Commission,” provides viewers with a look into the complex negotiations, planning, and execution behind commercial property deals that shape communities. By choosing Kinston for its finale, the show's producers are underscoring a significant shift in investment strategy across the country.
What is Label Shopper?
Label Shopper is an off-price retail chain specializing in clothing and home décor. The company's business model involves purchasing brand-name merchandise from various sources and selling it at a significant discount, making it a popular destination for budget-conscious consumers. Its expansion into markets like Kinston reflects a strategy to serve communities often overlooked by larger department stores.
The Broker Behind the Deal
At the heart of the story is commercial broker Todd J. Drowlette, the managing director at Titan. The A+E episode follows Drowlette as he navigates the final stages of bringing his longtime client, Label Shopper, to the city. His relationship with the retailer spans more than two decades, a testament to the long-term vision required in commercial development.
Drowlette believes that Kinston is a prime example of the potential lying dormant in many smaller American towns. These communities, he suggests, are becoming increasingly attractive to national brands looking for new growth opportunities.
“I feel like Kinston is very representative of the types of communities people live and work in,” Drowlette stated, emphasizing the city's role as a model for similar markets across the nation.
His work highlights the crucial role that experienced brokers play in connecting national businesses with local opportunities, acting as a bridge between corporate growth strategies and community needs.
Why North Carolina? The Business-Friendly Advantage
The decision for Label Shopper to expand within North Carolina was not accidental. According to Drowlette, the state's regulatory environment is a major draw for developers and businesses. He points to the efficiency of the local and state systems as a key factor in attracting investment.
“All of North Carolina is growing,” Drowlette observed. “From a developer’s standpoint, the approval process here is quick.”
This streamlined process reduces uncertainty and delays, which are often significant barriers to commercial development. For a national retailer planning a multi-state expansion, the ability to move from planning to opening in a timely manner is a powerful incentive. This environment makes North Carolina, and particularly its smaller cities with available real estate, a competitive location for new business.
Economic Impact of Retail
New retail stores like Label Shopper contribute to local economies in several ways. They create construction jobs during the build-out phase and permanent retail positions once open. Additionally, they generate local sales tax revenue and can increase foot traffic to neighboring businesses, creating a positive ripple effect throughout a shopping center and the wider community.
A Trend with National Implications
The story of Kinston and Label Shopper is not an isolated event. It is part of a broader economic trend where investors and national chains are rediscovering the value of smaller, non-metropolitan markets. For years, the focus was almost exclusively on major urban centers, but the landscape is changing.
Producers of “The Real Estate Commission” chose to feature this deal precisely because it illustrates this shift. It shows how cities like Kinston are successfully attracting investment that can reshape their economic futures. Factors driving this trend include:
- Lower Operating Costs: Real estate and labor costs are often significantly lower than in major cities.
- Untapped Markets: Smaller communities represent a customer base with fewer local shopping options.
- Community Support: Local governments and residents are often highly supportive of new developments that bring jobs and services.
- Remote Work Influence: As more people work from home, they are spending more time and money within their local communities, boosting the viability of local retail.
As the episode airs, Kinston will not just be the setting for a television show; it will be a case study in modern American economic development. The story of a single retail store opening in a small North Carolina city offers a hopeful glimpse into a future where economic growth is more widely distributed, revitalizing main streets and shopping centers across the country.
