Ellis, Thomas counties shine in retail report
Published on -7/29/2009, 12:19 PM
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Pull factor by county
By MIKE CORN
It it weren't for that pesky Pottawatomie County, northwest Kansas could lay claim to the three most vibrant retail trade areas in the state.
Across Kansas, Ellis, Thomas, Pottawatomie, Ness and Johnson counties are -- in order -- the top five counties in the state in terms of pull factor, a measure of the economic strength of a county based on sales tax collections and population figures. The Kansas Revenue Department report covers fiscal year 2008.
Typically, Ellis County is at the top of the list because it draws in people from such a wide area.
Thomas County, however, is up from third place in fiscal year 2007.
"Wow," was all Carolyn Armstrong, Colby city manager for the last 161âÑ2 years, could muster when told of Thomas County's move from third into second place.
Thomas County has a pull factor of 1.53, suggesting that the community, with an actual population of 7,196, serves a retail population of 10,997. In fiscal year 2007, Thomas County had a pull factor of 1.4.
Ellis County has a pull factor of 1.54, and serves a retail population of 41,865 even though its actual population only numbers 27,141. A year earlier, Ellis County had a pull factor of 1.51.
Ness County, in fourth place, has an actual population of 2,915, but serves a retail trade area of 4,156 with its pull factor of 1.43. A year earlier, its pull factor was 1.35.
Even though the exact reasons for the increase are unclear, Armstrong was elated.
"That's great news," she said. "But I don't know what I can attribute it to."
Colby, however, has been going through something of a building boom over the past couple years, marked with one new implement dealership in operation and another one under construction, and a new truck stop.
Currently, the local farm credit office is building a $3 million office. A motel is going up next to the Wal-Mart and there's rumors that another motel might be coming in short order.
"We have had a lot of building," Armstrong said. "I'm so thankful for what we have."
As well, the farming economy has bounced back over the past two years.
"And when our farmers have a good year, Colby has a great year," she said.
Armstrong said she's also aware that the local Wal-Mart store had a "very, very good Christmas season."
Thomas County has nothing when it comes to shopping. The increase in retail sales comes from all the PAR ELECTRICAL crews that have been in the area now for over a year. They spend money at the grocery stores, restaurants, truck stops, motels and rent local housing. Alot of these crews are now moving into Hays and surrounding areas so welcome them with open arms. They contribute to your community alot more than what they are given credit for.
(Posted by: Open your eyes Carolyn)
: 7/29/2009
I am sooooo tired of Walmart discontinuing products that we like...irritating....Target,Target, Target
(Posted by: irritable shopper)
wal-mart: 7/29/2009
You should try Garden City Wal-mart if you think Colby is bad. Garden City is terrible.
(Posted by: get me out of wally world)
Wal-mart: 7/29/2009
Think Colby is bad try Garden City Wal-mart sometime. We go to Colby to escape Wal-mart in Garden City!
(Posted by: Get me out of Wally World!)
: 7/29/2009
agreed colbys walmart is awful and really bad customer service Im surprised they made the list.......i go to mc cook
(Posted by: )
: 7/29/2009
As if there is anywhere else to shop in this part of the state other than Wal-Mart! PLEASE PLEASE COME TO WESTERN KANSAS TARGET!!!!!
(Posted by: TB)
colby's walmart is the worst: 7/29/2009
I am a Wal-Mar shopper and have found that my drive to Colby's is worthless! I just by pass that on to another one anywhere! I hope they get it together! (such a shame for a newer built Wal-Mart) Sam Walmart would not approve!!!
(Posted by: please change!!)
told ya so: 7/29/2009
Bring on Target!!
(Posted by: hopeful)
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