Traditional retail is failing as a revenue resource for all of our cities (nationwide, but no less so in Napa Valley); cities and towns have been compelled to move to tourism-tax $ unless local government is supported in other ways. In Napa County, this consumer change is compounded by the fact that our demographics are different, i.e., we have a very high proportion of seniors. Nothing wrong with that, except statistically (and practically) they aren’t big retail consumers in any venue – Main Street or on-line. In fact, a majority of them are trying to get rid of “stuff” and downsize! Here’s a good article discussing this trend in consumer behavior: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/unemployment-is-down-gas-prices-are-low-why-isnt-america-shopping/.
Categories: General Information
Diane Dillon 