“Great Main Streets don’t just happen. David West helps us understand the critical importance of actively managing downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts to create thriving places that will draw residents and visitors again and again. His insights and comprehensive management strategies – derived from years of experience in the retail industry - offering a pathway for creating and maintaining healthy Main Streets in an era of rapid change for retail”
Patrice Frey, President and CEO, National Main Street Center, USA (2013 - 2022)
"David has managed to achieve a really honest broker approach whilst keeping it personal, detailed and above all relevant and interesting! I think every Town Centre Manager, Business Improvement District employee and Council staff member should read it"
Sarah Porter, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance, UK (2000 - 2016)
“From my experience in Town and City Management I think this book clearly sets out what “excellent” looks like but more importantly is easy to follow and therefore understand in helping achieve excellence in your high street or mainstreet.”
Martin Blackwell, Chief Executive, Association of Town and City Management UK (2008 – 2015)
“For any city center facing strong out-of-town retail competition or the lure of internet shopping, David West’s Mainstreet Management is an essential, practical guide for elected officials, business leaders and main street managers. Drawing on the experience from diverse cities in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, West provides a hand-book for dealing with the practical problems of litter and crime, the challenges of getting merchants to work together, and how to fund marketing programs and high-profile events. Not every strategy works for every place, but readers will find a wide range of recommendations for how to grow Main Street’s market share”.
Paul Levy, Executive Director, Philadelphia Center City District.
"If you are looking for 25 years of knowledge, wisdom and learning about retailing, main streets and shopping strips in a 'One Stop Shop' then here it is. David is one of the few people who has worked for private businesses, big shopping centres, Local Government, small business and as a consultant. He has seen it all. Here he clearly and succinctly explains to you what are the keys to a successful place. If you are a Local Government, a Business Association, a motivated main street trader a consultant or student in Place Management, Economic Development or Retailing, then I recommend you read this book"
Steve Bentley President Mainstreet Australia