First quarter retail sales tax receipt data from the Department of Revenue has been released. Knox County Area Partnership President Ken Springer shares ten of the twelve local communities they track posted growth from the previous year:
“Galesburg and Peoria were unfortunately the two metros that showed a decline in retailer receipts in Q1. Galesburg showed a 5.2% decline and then Peoria had an 8% decline. Better news for Monmouth. Monmouth was up 8.5 % for the quarter compared to Q1 in 2021. Getting into the categorical data, the Department of Revenue tends to break down the retail data by different categories. Monmouth showed gains in drinking, eating, grocery, and general merchandise categories. Galesburg also showed growth in drinking, eating, and grocery categories, but was basically down across all the other categories.”
Meanwhile, Springer says two new economic development projects have been announced for the Galesburg community. A new Moroccan inspired food truck will be launching by the end of September and Opie’s Bar and Grill will open in the former Fat Fish Pub location.
