Local Retail's economic impact
Oct 31, 2024 01:36PM ● By Randee Brown
As WNC retailers navigate challenges and opportunities, embracing tourism while
maintaining community authenticity remains central to local small businesses.
According to Riverbird Research, the number of jobs in the region’s retail industry increased by 4% between 2018 and 2023, just below the North Carolina overall increase of 5% during that time period.
The total concentration of 46,109 jobs in an 18-county area of WNC was approximately 32% greater than the national average in 2023. These jobs were supported by 3,839 payrolled business locations and earned an average wage of $35,024 annually, excluding supplements.
The highest concentration of retail work occurred in Buncombe County with 17,421 jobs, followed by Henderson County with 5,584 of these jobs.
*Written September 2024, pre-Helene information
According to Riverbird Research, the number of jobs in the region’s retail industry increased by 4% between 2018 and 2023, just below the North Carolina overall increase of 5% during that time period.
The total concentration of 46,109 jobs in an 18-county area of WNC was approximately 32% greater than the national average in 2023. These jobs were supported by 3,839 payrolled business locations and earned an average wage of $35,024 annually, excluding supplements.
The highest concentration of retail work occurred in Buncombe County with 17,421 jobs, followed by Henderson County with 5,584 of these jobs.
*Written September 2024, pre-Helene information