Could a Retail Revival Be on the Horizon?

Will County sales tax revenue increased 5.8 percent in 2010, the first rise in retail spending since the recession hit in 2008.

According to a Crain's Chicago Business report, the Illinois Department of Revenue released figures that show a six-county area around Chicago boosted retail sales 3.4 percent in 2010 to $7.46 billion. Will County saw the second-highest jump behind Kane County, which had its sales tax receipts increase by 6.2 percent.

Increases in subcategories including apparel, restaurants and general merchandise indicate shoppers have picked up their discretionary spending, according to Crain's. Increased purchases in cars and gas, which has risen close to $5 per gallon in some places, have contributed to the biggest jumps. The biggest jumps across the board came from increased purchases of cars and gas. Across the area, vehicle and fuel sales figures were up about 12 percent.

The region's recovery lags slightly behind the national rebound, which reported a 7.4 percent jump in 2010 sales, according to Crain's.

See below for a chart showing New Lenox's sales tax figures for the first three months of 2011 and how it compares to 2010. Go to the Illinois Department of Revenue website for more information.

Source: Illinois Department of Revenue