Threshold Market Analysis of Western North Carolina (Economics ARTICLES‪)‬

ABSTRACT A predictive model is developed to ascertain the suitability of local retail markets to support new business locations as a prerequisite to designing effective development strategies. This paper explores the feasibility for the establishment of new retail enterprises in the twenty-three counties of Western North Carolina. This paper uses a unique method involving ZIP codes to identify fifty-two distinct markets. The tourist demand index is developed by using visitor information. The number of actual business establishments in a market is compared to the predicted number to determine where markets are saturated and where new business entry is feasible.