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Retail
Local Retail
The City of Pembroke and surrounding area has a central market population of approximately 73,000 within a 40km/25 mi. radius. Over the past five years, the retail sector of the local economy has grown tremendously, as Pembroke’s position as the largest service centre between Ottawa and North Bay has been solidly established.
Data from the Financial Post Data Group indicates that retail sales in Pembroke have been improving by leaps and bounds.
As well as a marked increase in the number of national franchise retailers choosing to locate in Pembroke, several “big box” retailers have also located here, increasing the size of the retail cluster, and drawing even more shoppers from outside of the immediate area on a regular basis.
Pembroke’s retail sales are +128 % over the national average and a very strong retail cluster has been growing for the past five years. It has a retail pull factor that is 5 times greater than other surrounding regions, and below average consumer leakage. If you’re planning to establish a retail or service business, Pembroke is the place to begin. Unique specialty shops are particularly suitable to the historic downtown area, and the façade improvement program can be used to put your best foot forward!
Why is Pembroke retail so successful?
• Several major tourist attractions located within 50 miles, including Algonquin Park, White Water Rafting, National Capital Region, Storyland, Logos Land, Bonnechere Park, Bonnechere Caves, and Enchanted Gardens.
• Great location along Trans Canada Highway 17, and provincial highways #41, #60, and #148. Metro Ottawa with a population of 1.6 million is just an hour and a half drive east of Pembroke, while North Bay is 2 hours west.
• CFB Petawawa, one of Canada’s largest armed forces base is just 10 km west of Pembroke and is one of the area’s largest employers.
• Algonquin College is located in Pembroke, and offers a diverse range of both full and part time courses to over 600 students.
• Numerous fairs, events, art shows, and sporting tournaments are held throughout the Ottawa Valley, drawing thousands of visitors to the area.
• Several downtown buildings are of historic significance, and particularly suitable for retail enterprises.
• The recently developed Waterfront Park adjacent to downtown draws hundreds of families during the summer months with free entertainment at the amphitheatre, children’s playground, and walking trails.
• Highway signage is available along Highway 17, while the City provides additional promotional opportunities through its tourism guide book and on-line directory. The City of Pembroke’s Department of Economic Development, Recreation and Tourism works closely with every new business to ensure that it enjoys a smooth transition into the community.
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