Economic Research
Economic ResearchTopic - Retail
Forecast models and surveys point to steady growth in 2013
District Economic Outlook
Rob Grunewald, Joe Mahon
January 2013 - fedgazette
Many business leaders expect sluggish economic growth in 2013
Business Outlook Poll
Toby Madden
January 2013 - fedgazette
Spanning the spectrum of Native workforce development
Initiatives under way in the Ninth District demonstrate that Native-focused organizations are working to increase work preparedness, education levels, and employment rates in the communities they serv
Jacob Wascalus
July 2012 - Community Dividend
Business leaders expect solid growth for their companies in 2012
Business Outlook Poll
Toby Madden
December 2011 - fedgazette
Businesses see expansion over the next four quarters
Business Outlook Poll
Toby Madden
June 2011 - fedgazette
Businesses are optimistic for 2011
Business Outlook Poll
Toby Madden
December 2010 - fedgazette
Mild Ninth District recovery expected to warm up
District Economic Outlook
Toby Madden, Rob Grunewald
December 2010 - fedgazette
Fed creates online database of credit card agreements
October 2010 - Community Dividend
Fed Governor Duke tours Minneapolis marketplaces
On a recent visit, Federal Reserve Governor Elizabeth Duke toured two culturally diverse marketplaces that have helped revitalize their surrounding neighborhoods.
July 2010 - Community Dividend
A slow recovery is under way
District Economic Outlook
Toby Madden, Rob Grunewald
January 2010 - fedgazette
Collateral damage
While real estate still struggles through the housing collapse, commercial mortgages are piling on more pain
Ronald A. Wirtz
January 2010 - fedgazette
CRF to launch green loan program for small businesses
November 2009 - Community Dividend
Overcoming start-up barriers: Native-owned food business serves up lessons learned
The founders of Native American Natural Foods demonstrate that the goal of starting up a well-positioned business on an Indian reservation is attainable, provided certain elements are in place.
Sandy Gerber
November 2009 - Community Dividend
Remote sellers: The tax man cometh?
State-led initiative to tax remote sales slowly gaining momentum
Madeline Christensen
September 2009 - fedgazette
The not-as-big three
Chrysler, GM dealerships slashed across the district
Madeline Christensen
September 2009 - fedgazette
A nice place to visit, but ...
Tourism can spark economic growth, but public funding of the industry is questionable
Phil Davies
May 2009 - fedgazette
Where have all the tourists gone?
Leisure travel has been hit hard in many parts of the district. Tourism businesses and promoters have been forced to adapt.
Phil Davies
May 2009 - fedgazette
Driving a hard bargain
Tighter credit in the district may be adding to the woes of auto dealers
Phil Davies
January 2009 - fedgazette
The second garage
Robust growth in self-storage space has slowed, but the district outlook calls for further expansion
Joe Mahon
November 2008 - fedgazette
To market, to market to buy a fat tomato
As consumer demand grows, so do Ninth District farmers markets
Kathy Cobb
September 2008 - fedgazette
Store clearance
Retail vacancy rates are up in the district, especially for strip malls
Joe Mahon
May 2008 - fedgazette
Last call for liquor licenses
South Dakota State Roundup
March 2008 - fedgazette
State passes cable competition bill
Wisconsin State Roundup
March 2008 - fedgazette
Description of Data used in fedgazette Wal-Mart Analysis
January 2008 - fedgazette
The Wal-Mart effect: Poison or antidote for local communities?
The debate over Wal-Mart is a heated one. How can you tell whether the world’s largest retailer is good or bad for your community?
Terry J. Fitzgerald, Ronald A. Wirtz
January 2008 - fedgazette
The research literature on Wal-Mart: Some frowns, some smiley faces
Hoping for some easy answers to the Wal-Mart effect? Better shop elsewhere.
Ronald A. Wirtz
January 2008 - fedgazette
Wal-Mart in the Ninth District: Who, when and how
fedgazette Wal-Mart study methodology.
Ronald A. Wirtz
January 2008 - fedgazette
Fed brochure offers credit-boosting tips
November 2007 - Community Dividend
Have you noticed changes recently in consumer spending, and what is your outlook for the holiday season?
District Voices
November 2007 - fedgazette
Franchising like rabbits
We see them, we patronize them, we don't know much about them: Franchises in the Ninth District.
Ronald A. Wirtz
September 2007 - fedgazette
Franchisors R Us
Every state is home base to some franchisors, but Minnesota leads the district pack.
Ronald A. Wirtz
September 2007 - fedgazette
How has business at your water park this summer compared with recent years?
District Voices
September 2007 - fedgazette
Ninth District Franchise Growth by State
Franchise growth in Ninth District states.
September 2007 - fedgazette
Remember, it is an addiction
South Dakota State Roundup
May 2007 - fedgazette
How have sales of winter recreation items been so far, and what are your expectations for the season?
District Voices
January 2007 - fedgazette
Making tourists pay
Montana State Roundup
September 2006 - fedgazette
Smorgasbord of state ballot initiatives
South Dakota State Roundup
September 2006 - fedgazette
Who needs downtowns, anyway?
Were historic business districts worth saving? City leaders thought so.
Phil Davies
September 2006 - fedgazette
Has a stronger Canadian dollar affected Canadian visits to your business or community?
District Voices
July 2006 - fedgazette
The Interchange Fee Debate: Issues and Economics
Merchants are seeking relief from rising credit card fees, but the economics are complex and near-term resolution seems unlikely.
James M. Lyon
June 2006 - The Region
The wealth (and poverty) of Indian nations
Small businesses and tribal colleges offer fresh hope in Indian Country. They also face great hurdles.
Douglas Clement
March 2006 - fedgazette
Thomas J. Holmes on Wal-Mart's location strategy
Holmes describes Wal-Mart's location strategy and possible implications for the Ninth District.
David Fettig
March 2006 - fedgazette
Cash, check or third party?
Prescription benefit plans are squeezing retail pharmacies.
Ronald A. Wirtz
January 2006 - fedgazette
Smoke? You betcha
Minnesota State Roundup
January 2006 - fedgazette
Yeah, we got that
Minnesota State Roundup
January 2006 - fedgazette
Burned by online cigarette taxes
Wisconsin State Roundup
November 2005 - fedgazette
District mid-cap stocks lower year-to-date
Colin Hartman, Rob Grunewald
September 2005 - fedgazette
How have employee discount prices offered by auto makers affected vehicle sales?
District Voices
September 2005 - fedgazette
Who's afraid of big boxes?
Montana State Roundup
May 2005 - fedgazette
RV nirvana
Montana State Roundup
January 2005 - fedgazette
Unconventional wisdom
District convention centers weathered the recession, but the outlook is cloudy.
Colbey Sullivan
January 2005 - fedgazette
What are your expectations of consumer spending on big-ticket winter equipment, and how have early-season sales been?
District Voices
January 2005 - fedgazette
Big-box tax special
Montana State Roundup
September 2004 - fedgazette
Retail price hikes expected
Toby Madden, Rob Grunewald
September 2004 - fedgazette
Dialing up call centers
A slumping industry shows signs of life
Frank Jossi
May 2004 - fedgazette
Taking the plunge
Water parks are springing up throughout the district, but how much buoyancy does this tourism niche have?
Joe Mahon
May 2004 - fedgazette
What change, if any, are you seeing in short-term business as a result of the recent discovery of mad cow, or BSE, in the United States? And, what long-term effects (positive or negative) do you expect as a result of the discovery?
District Voices
March 2004 - fedgazette
What's your opinion of the recently approved drug benefit program in Medicare? What effect is it likely to have on your business?
District Voices
January 2004 - fedgazette
The taxing issue of e-commerce
District states are in the middle of the debate on Internet sales taxes
Frank Jossi
November 2003 - fedgazette
Has your summer tourism season lived up to expectations? How does it compare so far with last year?
District Voices
September 2003 - fedgazette
Shares of Gambling Expenditure, 2000
Chart: Ninth District Gambling Expenditure, 2000
March 2003 - fedgazette
Shopping online for lucky 7s
Ronald A. Wirtz
March 2003 - fedgazette
What are your auto sales expectations for 2003? What effect, if any, have zero percent financing and other incentives had on those expectations?
District Voices
March 2003 - fedgazette
Checking out?
Hotels in smaller communities have weathered the downturn better than big-city siblings
Jane Brissett
September 2002 - fedgazette
District tourism focuses on new attractions
From cowboys to history buffs, Ninth District states are putting their best packages forward to lure adventure seekers
Rosie Cataldo
May 2002 - fedgazette
What are your expectations for the coming tourism season?
District Voices
May 2001 - fedgazette
How have increased gas prices affected your business in the past year, and have they influenced your plans for the coming year?
District Voices
January 2001 - fedgazette
Cruise industry recharts once-popular destinations
Rosie Cataldo
October 2000 - fedgazette
Expanding tourism just the ticket in Ninth District
Peter Phillips
October 2000 - fedgazette
Credit card buyers, look before you leap to new card
Before deciding to accept preapproved credit card offers, consumers should research and compare the features of the agreements they're offered.
Lisa DeClark
July 1999 - Community Dividend
E-commerce: For some businesses, the only way to go
Toby Madden
April 1999 - fedgazette
How much should pork prices drop?
Edward Lotterman
January 1999 - fedgazette
Mixed-use development: Through the lenders' looking glass
Mixed-use developments were the norm in American towns and cities in the early part of this century. Now they are making a comeback, raising issues for lenders.
Nicole Bennett
December 1998 - Community Dividend
What does "mixed-use development" mean?
The term "mixed-use development" holds a variety of meanings and can be applied to a wide range of community development projects.
December 1998 - Community Dividend
Trade job growth slows
April 1998 - fedgazette
District scores high in wildlife recreation
January 1998 - fedgazette
Former Eau Claire tire plant brings back jobs
Wisconsin State Roundup
October 1997 - fedgazette
Self-Styled Expert Travels the Country to Prepare Towns for Wal-Mart Invasions
David Fettig
September 1992 - The Region
Substance Before Style
Changes in Retailing Affect Malls and Main Street from Minneapolis to Missoula
Josephine Marcotty
September 1992 - The Region
Missouri River is the lifeblood of the northern Great Plains
David Fettig
April 1992 - fedgazette
