Mchenry County Municipalities Weigh Costs, Benefits Of Providing Retail Incentives

As the rising tide of e-commerce threatens legacy retailers and big-box stores across the nation, local municipalities are working to lure new businesses and bolster existing establishments. McHenry Economic Development Director Doug Martin said the city weighs the costs and benefits of providing incentives to prospective retailers that may help offset the “extraordinary” costs of moving in. He said it has become more competitive between municipalities to attract retailers to their community. “Retail stores bring sales tax dollars to their communities, so it’s definitely become more competitive over the past 10 years,” he said.