By ERICA ESTEP
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Retail stores, grocery chains and new restaurants are opening up all over Knox County, which could be a sign of an improving economy. Some chains like Target are already well established here, but others like Publix are celebrating their first stores in our area.
The newest grocery store preparing to open is Trader Joe's on Kingston Pike. The chain is new to the area, and set to open it's doors to customers on Friday, August 10th.
New businesses moving in can be a sign that the economy is get stronger, but the growth is strategic, and in areas that can sustain it.
The Publix in West Knoxville's new Northshore Town Center development has been open less than a week, but stays buzzing with shoppers. "It's a big one and we welcome it," said shopper Clarke Harrison. "We're glad to have it."
Harrison was learning a new recipe, and even getting a sample while she shopped. She said that this kind of customer service coupled with a large selection of quality products will keep her coming back. "They even have all the ingredients right here for you, convenient," she said.
That is good news for the Publix corporation since traffic drives sales. Publix Communications Director Brenda Reid explained, "We try to be located wherever customers are going to be coming in and out, where it's convenient to home. We want to make sure we're in a hub that's a destination to do your shopping."
West Knoxville's business boom has a lot to do with the growing number of residents too. "There are a lot of rooftops in that area," added Reid. Publix plans a second location in Turkey Creek in early 2013.
"You've got grocery stores, you've got retail like Target out at Northshore, you've got Trader Joe's, you've got Costco," said Anthony Welsch, spokesperson with the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. "They have analysts that look at census information, and other more refined information. So, when they see households, and clusters really starting to build, especially high income households, they say we've got to be there with a store."
The growth in West Knoxville is expected to continue, and the shoppers we spoke with seem to have an appetite for it. "Here you seem to be getting it all," Harrison. "Just keep the restaurants coming. I like to eat out."
Local economic development boards & chambers of commerce can provide business analysts all kinds of information they need to make a decision, everything from how much families earn in a specific zip code to traffic counts on a specific street.
