Naperville Unseats Schaumburg For Top Retail, Dining Sales

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville reached a milestone in 2017 when it became the top Chicago suburb for retail and restaurant sales for the first time in its history. With more than $405 million spent at Naperville eateries and bars, the city unseated Schaumburg for the top spot, Chicago Tribune reports.

The statistics, shared at a recent liquor commission meeting, were taken from a study of state Department of Revenue records that was funded by the Naperville Development Partnership. Schaumburg's restaurant sales came in just under $400 million, according to Chicago Tribune.

In retail sales, Naperville logged $3.4 billion in 2017, again edging out Schaumburg. Schaumburg, home to the Woodfield Mall, had just $3.2 billion. Aurora, despite being the location of the Fox Valley Mall, came in 3rd with $2.3 billion in retail sales.

Ongoing developments and a slew of restaurant openings are partially responsible for Naperville's recent economic growth. Sparrow Coffee opened its flagship store in Naperville this past winter. Che Figata, Vai's Italian Inspired Kitchen and Bar, and Le Pain Quotidien are some of the other new eating spots the city has welcomed in the past year.

Recently, the award-winning Noon Whistle Brewery has eyed Naperville for its next brewery and taproom location.

Naperville's thriving restaurant and retail sales mirror its recent population growth. A special census recently showed that Naperville's population is booming. According to city officials, 147,841 people currently live in Naperville, which reflects an increase of more than 4% since 2010.

What's your favorite dining spot in Naperville? Let us know in the comments.

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