Fort Mill retail benefits

York county plans for economic benefits from the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. Local hotels have been picked to lead local efforts along with the Visitors Bureau. There will be a significant number of hotel rooms booked from August 24 through September 6. York county will provide convention organizers with a list of all the things they have to offer including retail, hotels, and restaurants. Convention organizers will put this together for convention-goers.

The convention will be primarily located at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte. This makes Fort Mill even Rock Hill a quick drive down the interstate. Shuttle buses or other transportation may be set up so people won't have to drive.

Plans are still being made to look at how to help local retail businesses compete for increased business from the convention.

Happy Holidays for retail sales

According to the Nation Retail Federation holiday retail sales are expected to increase 2.8% to about $465.6 billion. Retailers are optimistic for the holiday season, but still remain concerned about economic recovery. The retail industry is in a better position this year to handle consumer uncertainties than it has been in years past. It is also predicted that retailers will hire between 480,000 and 500,000 seasonal workers this holiday season.