Readers vs. The Stats  

How our market stacks up: Part 4    

Take a look below at what you, our readers, thought were the most pressing retail needs in the Roanoke metropolitan statistical area (MSA). Sporting Goods was first, Health and Personal Services second, and Restaurants tied with Clothing stores for third place.

 Let's see how that compares to the statistics. Remember that anything above zero represents unmet demand, whereas numbers below zero represent an oversupply in the marketplace (or perhaps that the existing supply is attracting business from outside the MSA).

It seems our readers instincts were correct half the time. The statistics say we already have more than enough Restaurants and providers of Health and Personal Services (which admittedly is a broad category). In fact, it suggests that Roanoke attracts consumers from outside the MSA in these two particular retail segments.

As it turns out Car Dealerships (who knew!), Electronic Stores, Office Supplies and Clothing (btw, women's clothing, especially) represent the niches with the greatest retail opportunity in Roanoke. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Debate? We're interested in your opinion.