FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 22, 2004
Retail Sales Climb in Vance County
Henderson, N.C. -- Vance County's retail sales climbed 2 percent to $522 million in fiscal year 2004 - close to the county's previous record high -- signaling an economic rebound.
The 2004 figures compared to declines in retails sales to $516.6 million in fiscal year 2002 and $512.7 million in 2003 following a peak of $525.6 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001, according to N.C. Department of Revenue data.
Meanwhile, a number of new and existing retailers have expanded in the past year.
"The tide seems have turned in Vance County," says Vance County Economic Development Commission Director Benny Finch. "This new investment and growth among retailers, both new and existing, indicates the economy is strengthening and shows that businesses are confident about our area's continued growth."
Eckerd, Walgreens, Smithfield Foods, Chick-Fil-A, Andy's, Ruby Tuesdays and Mighty Dollar Store opened locations in Vance County in 2004. Advanced Auto Parts and Bojangles expanded, adding a new location each.
Meanwhile, other sectors added jobs in the county during 2004, Finch said. A poll of some major employers in the region showed that 660 new jobs were added in 2004. These includes jobs at the new retail outlets as well as at Maria Parham Medical Center, Handcrafted Homes (maker of modular homes), Corporate Express (office products wholesaler), Affiliated Computer Systems (provider of outsourced business processes), Wal-Mart's distribution center, IAMS (pet food products manufacturer), MR Williams Inc. (wholesale grocer) and Profillform (laminate molding manufacturer).
Vance County Economic Development Commission markets the county to increase business growth and investment and help ensure a prosperous future for the county. For more information, contact Vance County Economic Development at (252) 492-2094.
Contact:
Benny Finch, (252) 492-2094
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