Bill Sabo
Shreveport Director of Economic Developement
New workforce data from Retail Strategies, a Birmingham-based consulting firm, shows
that Amazon’s North Shreveport distribution center is driving significant local economic activity and strengthening the area’s position as a priority corridor for retail growth.
The firm analyzed mobile device activity at the facility and found consistent, year-round
traffic from workers, vendors, and delivery partners. The study estimates that the center supports approximately 2,000 permanent employees and draws an additional 2,000 annual visitors, including drivers and contracted vendors. City officials say this level of activity increases spending in North Shreveport and raises the area’s visibility with retail and distribution employers evaluating new markets.
The findings highlight that Amazon’s workforce is overwhelmingly local. Nearly 65 percent of workers come from the Shreveport media market, and ZIP code 71107—North Shreveport—is the single largest source of employees, accounting for more than 22 percent of all devices observed. Officials say this concentration of nearby residents directly supports demand for new restaurants, services, and neighborhood retail.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the data reinforces the city’s strategic focus on North Shreveport.
“This confirms what we’ve suspected,” Arceneaux said. “North Shreveport has the people, the workforce, and the daily activity retailers need. Now we have hard evidence that proves the market is stronger than many national companies assumed.”
The analysis also shows that half of Amazon’s workers live within nine miles of the site,
creating concentrated consumer traffic on North Market Street and in the MLK neighborhood. Shift changes produce large spikes in morning, midday, and afternoon traffic—prime windows for retail and food-service demand.
Economic Development Director Bill Sabo said the findings give property owners, brokers, and investors a clearer picture of the area’s potential.
“North Shreveport is not waiting on potential—it’s already producing it,” Sabo said. “This data shows the market is active, growing, and ready for new investment.”
The city will use these findings as part of its broader retail recruitment strategy to attract national brands and support locally owned businesses seeking to expand into the corridor.
Questions:
318-673-5407
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.