February 21, 2017
Contact: Mary Enger, Communications Director, 636-949-1856, or 636-443-1008, menger@sccmo.org
St. Charles County, Missouri—Annual retail sales in 2016 climbed for the sixth consecutive year in St. Charles County, setting a new record of $5,882,200,818, a 3.81 percent increase over 2015, according to figures just released by the St. Charles County Finance Department.
“The U.S. economy grew by only 1.6 percent in 2016,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, “and that mostly was driven by personal spending. We are pleased to see our community continue to be a strong leader when it comes to consumer spending, low unemployment and housing starts.”
When consumers shop local, Ehlmann says, not only are they keeping unemployment rates low, they are helping local entrepreneurs and large businesses thrive. Through sales taxes, citizens are providing support for roads, parks, public safety and more.
Before the global recession, St. Charles County’s annual retail sales peaked in 2007 at $4,681,254,174. It wasn’t until 2011 that a new high was reached and there has been steadily growth every year since.
“The retail and accommodation/food service sectors comprise about 30 percent of the total jobs in St. Charles County and account for more than $838 million in annual wages,” says County Executive Ehlmann. “With all the retail options available online and around the region, it is great to see our residents supporting their community by shopping locally and keeping the economy strong and growing in St. Charles County.”
For more information about the local economy, please contact the St. Charles County Department of Workforce & Business Development at 636-255-6060 or visit http://www.sccmo.org/Workforce-Business-Development.