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Quincy Seeing Economic Benefits of Large Retailers

Quincy Seeing Economic Benefits of Large Retailers December 11, 2024
 
By Zeke Shapiro
Published: Dec. 10, 2024 at 7:24 PM CST|Updated: 13 hours ago

QUINCY (WGEM) – The recent increase in the number of large retail stores in Quincy has created economic benefits for the city.

Up and down Broadway Street, large retail stores such as Target and Ollie’s have popped up. The benefits of those companies bringing their shops in are numerous.

“You’re seeing so many opportunities coming up with jobs and just more people coming to the city,” said Quincy Assistant Planning Director Jason Parrott.

According to Parrott, the increase in large retail stores in Quincy is causing a positive chain of events within the city. More shops mean more shoppers which means more tax revenue.

“When the people from out of town come to shop at Target, they’ll see that there are restaurants in town that have good reviews and then we start seeing more business for small businesses,” explained Kyle Moore, president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation.

Moore, who served two terms as Quincy mayor from 2013-2020 added that in his time residing and working in Quincy, he has not seen growth like this.

Parrott also added that the current explosion of large retail stores emerging is not expected to stop in the future.

“With the way it’s going now, we really could see more stores opening up within the next few years,” Parrott explained.

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The Great River Economic Development Foundation Hosts 2024 Annual Meeting

The Great River Economic Development Foundation Hosts 2024 Annual Meeting December 11, 2024

The Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) invites the
community and press to attend our 2024 Annual Meeting. This year’s theme, “Impact Multiplied,”
showcases GREDF’s commitment to leveraging its expertise, partnerships, and strategic investment to develop high-impact initiatives that create economic growth and foster a more inclusive business
environment.

The GREDF Annual Meeting for 2024 will take place on December 11th at the Oakley-Lindsay Center. This event will bring together stakeholders, such as community partners, business leaders, elected
officials, and GREDF members, for an opportunity to share and collaborate.

GREDF has played an important role in transforming the region into a hub for innovation, job creation, and sustainable development. This year, the focus will be on GREDF’s commitment to not only
achieving measurable results but ensuring that each success leads to even greater benefits for our
community’s people and businesses. Attendees will hear from GREDF President Kyle Moore, Outgoing County Board Chairman Kent Snider, and Quincy Mayor Mike Troup, who will highlight the
community’s impact on local economic development.

Who: Great River Economic Development Foundation

What: Great River Economic Development Foundation’s 2024 Annual Meeting “Impact Multiplied”

When: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
4:45-5:30 PM: Social Hour
5:30-6:30 PM: Annual Meeting

Where: Oakley-Lindsay Center | 300 Civic Center Plaza, Quincy, IL 62301

Small Business Saturday hits Quincy this weekend

Small Business Saturday hits Quincy this weekend December 2, 2024

November 28, 2024 | By Emma Dalke, MRN Content Creator

QUINCY- Small Business Saturday is this weekend, Nov. 30 in The District with exclusive deals, holiday treats and festive activities at many downtown retailers.

“It’s important for The District to keep this as a holiday, because most, if not all, downtown businesses are small,” Executive Director of The District, Brianna Rivera said. “They’re locally owned, family owned… they really rely on us to promote events like Small Business Saturday.” 

American Express launched ‘Small Business Saturday’ in 2010 to promote local businesses, celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which falls on November 30th this year. 

“Small businesses play a crucial role in our local economy. Their influence extends beyond mere job creation; they bring innovative ideas and new perspectives to our community,” said Madison Peters, Vice President at GREDF, in a press release. “We are dedicated to supporting our local businesses throughout Adams County. Celebrating Small Business Saturday is just a small way for us to express our gratitude for the significant contributions they make to our community.”

Tom Frese, owner of Tri-City Sports says he will likely see a minimum of a double increase in sales on Saturday. 

“We’re gonna easily see more people down here. They just do a nice job of promoting it. I think when you’re in a small community like Quincy, they really do back your small businesses, so it’s a nice thing,” Frese said. 

Frese said that Black Friday is busier for larger stores and on Small Business Saturday’s local businesses get to shine. He is opening on Saturday from 9-2 p.m.

“We’ll see a lot more traffic down here on Saturday, which is nice, so we can be prepared for that…” Frese said. “We’ll see a minimum of a double increase on Saturday. We may end up staying open later. There’s a lot of heavy traffic down here, on Small Business Saturday. We’ll definitely see a hike in business.” 

This event encourages people to shop local in preparation for the holiday season. 

“Small Business Saturday is a celebration of the heart and soul of our community—our local businesses. Every purchase made downtown supports our neighbors and strengthens our local economy. The District does our best to amplify our downtown business owners through our social media platforms and popular downtown events,” said Rivera.