A relatively small sample of Kentucky’s independent retailers shows mixed reviews when it comes to evaluating their local economies.
The springtime survey was conducted by the Kentucky Retail Federation. Federation spokeswoman Sarah Rowlette says respondents noted workforce numbers haven’t changed much since the last survey.
“While you know, it’s great that we’re seeing the workforce appears to be stabilizing, outlook is unclear," Rowlette said.
About 43 percent of Mom and Pop retailers questioned said their local economy is about the same as last year, 29 percent said worse, and 28 percent better than the previous year. There is tempered news when it comes to actual sales.
“So, there is an increase in the year-to-date gross sales,” Rowlette said. “However, we’re seeing concern around any growth because of the increased cost of doing business.”
Rowlette says the use of social media is picking up among independent retailers. She says more than 14 percent have improved their website or integrated channels for e-commerce.
“So, I think our retailers are starting to recognize this kind of shift to online traffic," Rowlette said.
Rowlette says the response rate for the spring survey was about 12 percent.
