Grand River Growth Plan -All Gibbs for City Jan 2 2026 - Flipbook - Page 41
Farmington Hills Employment Overview
Figure 7: 80,000 workers are within a 10-minute drive of Grand River. On average, workers spend $120 weekly on retail.
Other studies indicate Farmington Hills could see 400 – 600 office workers added annually through
2030. While this study does not have a specific projection for the Grand River corridor, it is expected
that it will capture some of the job growth through the addition of medical and healthcare-related
jobs. Daytime employment plays a large role in supporting retail businesses. On average, U.S. office sit-down workers spend $120 weekly shopping and dining. Adjusting for part-time employment,
each worker spends $3,500 per year on retail goods, groceries and restaurants. Restaurant spending
accounts for the balance at $60 per week.
Non-office - stand-up workers are estimated to have slightly less disposable income, to have
multiple work locations, and typically are on the road more during their workweek. Discount
merchandise, grocery, quick service restaurant and convenience items make up the majority of the
stand-up worker’s dollars, at $100 per week retail spending.
There are 15,000 workers and 1,500 businesses located within a convenient 5-minute drive to the
East Grand River study area. Within a 10-minute drive to Grand River there are 80,000 workers and
7,000 businesses. The Avenue’s overall retail market trade area has approximately 45,000 workers
and 5,000 businesses.
Worker Retail Market Demand
The 15,000 workers located within a 5-minute drive of Grand River Avenue are projected to spend
$50 million yearly on retail, food and beverage (15,000 workers x $3,500 retail spending each = $50
M). Most of the workers’ retail spending will occur while commuting to and from their job or during
lunch break. As such, only a small fraction of the overall employee spending can realistically be
captured by stores and restaurants along Grand River.
This study estimates the East Grand River corridor has an untapped market potential to capture $5
million of the $50 million total worker spending occurring elsewhere. Assuming $250 sf/yr average
store sales per year, the $5 million of captured worker spending equates to 20,000 sf and 10 stores.
However, the corridor is presently lacking many quick casual restaurants and branded retail stores
preferred by time sensitive workers
East Grand River Avenue Retail Market Analysis
Gibbs Group - July 2, 2025
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