Carrollton, MO — Carroll County Economic Development, an arm of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce has taken another step forward in effort to improve economic opportunity in the community. The group led by local civic and business leaders has completed a Community Retail Needs Analysis.
The study conducted by Goldstone Consulting Group, the contract provider of economic development services to the Chamber of Commerce takes an in-depth look at the capacity for additional retail business in the County. The study included information gathered from a survey of residents in Carroll County conducted by the Chamber of Commerce.
"The report provides us with good background information about the potential for expanded retail business in Carroll County," said Jeff Adams, Chairman of Carroll County Economic Development. "It shows us where the potential for new business is in the community."
The retail analysis comes on the heels of the announcement that Orscheln Farm & Home is expanding into the former ShopKo building. The relocation and expansion of the Carrollton store is scheduled be completed in the first half of 2021.
"We have been working on projects like these for some time," said Anna Barlow, Executive Director of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. "The recent announcement of other companies expanding in the County and creating new jobs will only add to our ability as a community to offer more shopping and dining options."
According to the analysis; Carroll County has a positive retail gap of just under $69 million. This is an indicator that residents of Carroll County are traveling outside of the county to make purchases, providing an opportunity for businesses within the local community to recapture spending.
The Chamber of Commerce is also conducting a study relating to the workforce and labor in the County that will be of value to employers. That report is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Those interested in viewing the completed study can contact the Chamber of Commerce at 1-660-542-0922 to obtain a digital copy. The report will also be available on the Chamber of Commerce's new website that will be released soon.