In the latest economic update, Illinois has demonstrated a notable boost in retail sales during the fourth quarter, boasting an impressive 8.7% surge compared to the previous year. Noteworthy categories include substantial hikes of 26% in food, 13% in lumber and building supplies, 23% in small retail, 2.8% in drinking and eating, and 1.6% in general merchandise. Kewanee shined with a 4.1% uplift, hitting an impressive $271 million in sales, marking the seventh consecutive record-setting year. Kewanee saw an increase in categories of 8% in general merchandise, 7.6% in food, 3.3% in apparel, and 11% in small retail. Even with inflation concerns, these figures comfortably outpace the Consumer Price Index of 2.8%. The broader region of downstate Illinois experienced a steady 3.6% rise in retail sales.
