Springfield retail sales above state's average

The 1997 Economic Census shows that Springfield retailers had $3.7 billion in sales

Springfield is above average economically.

The recently released 1997 Economic Census figures show Springfield to be above the Missouri average in retail sales per capita. Springfield had $12,175 in retail sales per capita compared with the Missouri average of $9,480.

Published every five years, Economic Census data is used to give insight into the country's economic activity, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Data from the 1997 census show that Springfield has 1,592 retailers who made $3.7 billion in sales during 1997.

Motor vehicle and parts dealers had $1.006 billion of that $3.7 billion. Car dealers are usually a big part of the retail sales picture, said Ryan Mooney, economic development program coordinator for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

"The sales they make are usually more substantial than other retail sales," Mooney said.

The census also showed building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers with nearly $400 million in sales in 1997. Food and beverage stores accounted for $363 million in sales while gas stations accounted for $326 million.

This was the first year the Economic Census used a new industry classification system, the North American Industry Classification System. This system replaces the Standard Industrial Codes system previously used, the release said.

The report shows 19,993 people employed in retail trade. It also shows 1,891 employed in real estate and rental and leasing; 4,259 in professional, scientific and technical services; and 8,067 in health care and social assistance.

In Springfield in 1997, 2,253 people were employed in employment services, the report shows.

The report shows sales or receipts, employment and payroll for 92 different kinds of business. Greene County accounted for $3.3 billion or 89 percent of sales in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Springfield ranks third in Missouri in retail sales, behind St. Louis, at No. 1 and Kansas City, and No. 2. Springfield has 1,592 retail establishments while St. Louis has 9,870 and Kansas City has 6,750. St. Louis has more than $24 billion in retail sales while Kansas City has more than $18 billion. Springfield's retail sales per capita are higher than both the other cities: St. Louis' per capita retail sales figure is $9,426 for 1997 while Kansas City's is $10,550.

Mooney said the chamber will use the data from the 1997 Economic Census to present a picture of the economy in the area to new and existing business owners, and as a tool in attracting businesses from outside the area to locate here.

"It's just another resource we have to try to develop new industries and new jobs here," Mooney said.