Possibly an early Christmas present as 2024 3rd quarter sales in Kewanee were up 3.2 percent over 2023.
2023 was a record year in Kewanee, recording almost $261 million of sales.
Downstate sales were up a mere 0.6 percent for the 3rd quarter.
Categories that saw increases over last year were General Merchandise up 3 percent, Food up 5.8 percent, Apparel up 14 percent, Lumber-Building supplies up 1.4 percent and Small Retail up 12.2 percent.
Drinking-Eating, Furniture-Appliance and Auto-Service Stations all saw minor decreases.
“Sales for 2024 total $198 million through three quarters and with a strong fourth quarter we could set another record-breaking year,” said Mark Mikenas, executive director of the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce. “It was a good report. We’re pleased.”
Mikenas pointed out that the drop in furniture and appliance sales could be traced to the fact that Appliances Unlimited and New View Furniture went out of business.
He noted that Kewanee’s sales increase was higher than the rate of inflation.
