Retail trade is the largest major industry in Kansas, supporting 24% of all jobs in the state, according to a new report from the National Retail Federation.
Direct economic impact totals $18.3 billion per year, with 41 billion in total impact on state Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The retail industry is defined as selling directly to the consumer, including food services and drinking places.
“From your favorite local coffee shop, to the place you pick up a new soccer ball for your kid, or grab supplies for your weekend gardening project, retail businesses support our way of life and it’s no surprise to see evidence of that through the jobs, economic impact, and sales tax numbers,” said Brandie McPherson, Executive Director of the Kansas Retail Council.
Kansans working in retail total 288,700. However, the industry supports 477,400 jobs indirectly. Retail sales generated a$1.825 billion in sales tax revenue between July 2023 and February 2024, according to data from the Kansas Legislative Research Department.
Nationally, retail is also the largest private-sector employer, supporting 55 million jobs.
