Retail sales hit a record last year in Kewanee, and they might break that record this year.
Mark Mikenas, executive director of the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce, released state figures for the second quarter of this year that indicated strong sales for Kewanee businesses — stronger than last year in most categories.
For the first six months of 2023, Mikenas said, sales are up 2.7 percent from 2022.
“This is good news for Kewanee, as 2022 was a record-breaking year when it comes to retail sales with $251 million in total sales,” Mikenas said. “If we can stay on track and continue to utilize our local businesses for goods and services we may very well see a record set again for 2023.”
“Retail sales (for the first half of 2023) are $127.1 million,” he said. Increases for the second quarter, by category, were: Food 15.7 percent, drinking and eating places 8.6 percent, apparel 11 percent, furniture and household goods 12.1 percent, lumber and building supplies 9.6 percent and small retail 6.8 percent.
One area where sales didn’t keep pace with last year was automotive sales. Mikenas noted that local dealers have had trouble getting new vehicles in stock due to issues with the auto makers.
He also said inflation may be a factor in the strong sales numbers, although inflation this year has leveled off since last year.
