We help small retail businesses get back to business.

Covid impact on retail

Retail Business and Economic Development Firm

Building The Future of Retail

We strategically build and fortify independent retail economies in developed and emerging markets through our training and development program, Revitalize Retail®.

Program Details

We help small businesses get back to business.

These are the core components of our Revitalize Retail® Program for retail entrepreneurs
retail e-commerce consultant, small business speaker

Training

The retail economy is only as strong as the small businesses within it. In our years of working with small businesses, there are core retail fundamentals consistently missing from their business strategy.

small business mentor

Mentorship

As we train retailers, artisans, and product-based entrepreneurs on retail business strategy, we are also providing mentorship to ensure successful implementation of the training we teach.

innovative partnerships for retail businesses, retail consulting firm

Revitalize

The retail landscape is forever changed by Covid and other outside influences. Its' transformation requires innovation, experiential concepts, and the strengthening of domestic supply chains and local retail commerce.

Who We Serve

We serve indie brands, artisans, and independent boutiques through our Revitalize Retail® Program by partnering with companies like you.

we work with economic development corporations
The Future of Retail

Growing the Retail Economy

We work directly with Economic Development Corporations, Small Business Development Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, and Retail Shopping Centers, to implement our program for their retailers. We facilitate the growth of small to medium-sized businesses in the retail sector, equipping them with the same sales-driving strategies as large corporate retailers. These strategies empower entrepreneurs to operate at a higher level in all facets of their operations, providing a pathway for accelerated business growth and expansion. We also develop innovative partnerships and ventures with other businesses to create new opportunities inside the retail economy.

Our Founder

Meet DeAnna McIntosh

DeAnna McIntosh, Retail Consultant

DeAnna McIntosh

Founder, Global Retail Consultant

DeAnna McIntosh leads the team here at The Affinity Group International (TAGI) and also manages our sister company, which consults directly with small businesses, Retailing Evolved®. Her proven success as a Buyer, Strategy Manager, and Merchandise Director inside numerous brands such as Chico’s, Office Depot, and Home Depot, drove her to develop the Revitalize Retail® Program to duplicate these same successes for small retail businesses, both within the US and abroad, especially due to the state of retail as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DeAnna exceeded my expectations in helping me prepare, plan and execute my brand's trade show debut

I'm so happy I got to meet and know DeAnna while preparing for a trade show. I found her to be incredibly knowledgeable and supportive during a period of uncertainty for me. She exceed my expectations in helping me prepare, plan and execute my brands trade show debut and provided a comprehensive trade show manual. She continues to be a source of sound counsel & guidance.

Blair Armstrong Founder, Gilded Glamour

Gilded

DeAnna runs a world class business.

DeAnna runs a world class business. I was in need of expanding the details in my business plan and pitch deck. DeAnna and her team blew me away! The Affinity Group International, by far exceeded what was asked and delivered in exceptional time a business plan and pitch deck ready to take my company to the next level. Looking forward to our continued working relationship.

Tashiba Jones-Wilson Retail Founder

innovative store concept

DeAnna helped us establish data-informed product development targets.

DeAnna is a hard and thoughtful worker who loves diving into data fearlessly. She is design savvy, fun to work with, and not afraid to bring new ideas and insights to the table. At Capital, she helped us establish data-informed product development targets to make sure that we were bringing the right mix of products to our next launch. She also explored trends in the industry, reaching out to customers and travelling to trade markets to keep the pulse of styles and designs that are relevant to our company. Her varied work experiences and blend of fashion / style interest with data / numbers insights makes her a unique asset to any team, and I would definitely work with her again!

Liz Townsend Marketing Director, Capital Lighting Fixture Company

capital lighting

To say DeAnna was critical to the business’ success is an understatement.

DeAnna was the most detailed, proactive and positive person I have ever had work for me. To say she was critical to the business’ success is an understatement. Anybody who has the pleasure of her on their team is truly fortunate.

Eva Rodriguez Director of Merchandising, The Home Depot

office depot

DeAnna Explores Win-Win Solutions.

I worked with DeAnna when she was a Merchant at Chico's FAS and we were one of the key suppliers. DeAnna has clearly demonstrated her professionalism during our collaboration. She has been open to new ideas, willing to explore win-win solutions, not only solving problems but at the same time creating values to both parties. I personally look forward to having a chance to work with her again.

Ben Tsui VP, Customer Engagement, TAL

chicos

DeAnna Is A Strong Merchant and Business Woman.

I worked with DeAnna at Chico's FAS where was was the Merchant of Woven Tops. I found DeAnna to be a very strong merchant and business woman. She was frequently utilized to teach and train the merchandising team on system functionality and best practices and was a great resource. She had a strong work ethic and was a trusted and respected member of the team. DeAnna did the work of 2-3 people in reality many times. I also know she is very entrepreneurial and creative, traits which are great to possess! DeAnna excels at what she does!

Mike Wills Director of Omnichannel Planning, Chico's FAS Inc.

chicos
Innovative thinkers

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Tell us your goals for strengthening your retail ecosystem. We will tell you how together, you will achieve more.