Red Wing's "pull" above average

Retail sales in Red Wing are in decent shape but could be better, according to an economist with the University of Minnesota Extension.

Red Wing's "pull factor" -- an economic measure of a community's ability to draw consumers -- is above the state average, said Bruce Schwartau, a community economics educator.

That's not surprising given the city's position as a regional center, Schwartau told a group of local business professionals and government officials Wednesday at the Red Wing Public Library.

But during his presentation on Red Wing's retail strength, Schwartau asked if there are ways the city could improve.

"Do we have people shopping in are community for some things but consistently traveling elsewhere for other things?" he asked the crowd of about 30. "Do we have strengths we can exploit?"

Wednesday's presentation was sponsored by Red Wing Port Authority, Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce, Red Wing Downtown Main Street, the Visitor and Convention Bureau, Red Wing Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the city.

Schwartau's report on pull factors can be found at: http://umn.edu/home/bwschwar.

For more on this story, see Saturday's edition of the R-E.

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