Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

2004

College/Unit

Regional Research Institute

Document Number

RESEARCH PAPER 2004-2

Abstract

Pull factors provide a measure of retail trade capture. Pull factors for total and twelve subcategories of retail sales for all West Virginia Counties are analyzed based on 1997 Census of Retail Trade data. A method for estimating missing data points and the use of Rand-McNally trade regions both facilitate estimation of the pull factors. Results indicate that hypothesizes concerning pull factors for central places in West Virginia generally hold. However, other elements influence pull factor estimates. The most important of these is the impact of state sales tax policy, which reduces pull factors for border cities through lessened retail activity in food and drinking establishment and gas stations. Study results imply that state government may wish to rethink its sale tax policy.

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