The 2010 edition of the California Retail Survey is out, and it lists Santa Clarita among the top 20 fastest growing retail markets in the state.

The designation was made after an analysis of annual retail data from 2003-2008. During that five-year span, Santa Clarita experienced an average retail sales growth of 2.3%.

That’s good news, according to Santa Clarita Economic Development Director Jason Crawford, who says that the City uses strong numbers to help grow the local economy.

“We’ll use [the study] to help attract other retail and restaurants to come to Santa Clarita because they’ll see what a healthy, growing economy we have.”

Even despite economic turmoil that has engulfed our country as a whole, any signs of positive growth are being touted as a symbol of a bright future.

“The great recession is affecting Santa Clarita as much as it’s affecting any other community across the United States,” Crawford said. “But this survey shows us that compared to other communities, we are a much healthier economy and in a much better position than most other places. So absolutely we are geared to leave this recession in a much better spot and hopefully go gangbusters after that.”

Already Crawford says several businesses have jumped into this market.

“We’ve got businesses that are betting on Santa Clarita, whether it’s the Westfield expansion or the Plaza at Golden Valley, or any number of other businesses that are deciding that they want to be in the Santa Clarita market because they know long term it’s going to be successful.”

The numbers from the 2010 California Retail Survey offer a ranking of the larger cities in California. Santa Clarita has been moving up the list, having previously been in the top 25.
The publication’s accompanying market intelligence is widely used by businesses, media outlets and governmental agencies.

“Our support of local business allows us to continuously provide opportunities for new and existing businesses to thrive here in the City,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “Santa Clarita’s strong local economy and high quality of life, hallmarks of the community, are largely dependent upon a successful retail climate.”

Some of the businesses set to open new or additional locations in Santa Clarita included Chick-fil-a, Val Surf and the organic market Sprouts.

In the past, Crawford says that the community has made it very clear that they want a Cheesecake Factory and a high end steakhouse. He says that the City continues to court those types of establishments, and this recent study will serve as another piece of ammunition.