(Natalie Keith is a contributing writer to GlobeSt.com.)

BIRMINGHAM, MI-Local officials are hoping to attract more national retailers to the area and have sought the advice of a national retail consultant.

Pam Iacobelli, president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, tells GlobeSt.com that the chamber is working with the Birmingham Principal Shopping District, a local business development group, on finding ways to attract more national retailers to the downtown area. "It's a constant challenge to keep retail tenants in the area and attract new ones."

Detroit-based national retail consultant Bieri Co. developed a study for Birmingham officials that identified the economic strengths and weaknesses of the area and suggested ways that the area could attract more national retailers. Jim Bieri, president and CEO, Bieri Co. and Peter Burton, a partner at Bingham Farms-based Burton-Katzman Development Co. delivered the results of the study to chamber members.

Strengths of the area identified in the report include strong demographics, good infrastructure, a solid base of shoppers and numerous restaurant and entertainment venues in the area. Among challenges faced by the area are that the housing market is currently a seller's market and competition from the Somerset Collection, an upscale shopping center in Troy.

Among national retailers already located in Birmingham include Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Blue Martini and Borders. Among suggestions for attracting new retailers included in the report include following a merchandise plan and embarking on cohesive leasing efforts.