The City of Vernon is centrally located in the North Okanagan and is the service hub for the region with a primary market population of 75,000 within a half-hour drive. A secondary market of an additional 50,000 people is within a one-hour drive. The retail sales generated from the greater Vernon Area is large enough to support diverse wholesale and retail firms.
In 2011 there were 106 wholesale trade and 330 retail trade firms in the Vernon area. The wholesale labour force is approximately 630 while the retail sector is 2,615. With a collective labour force of over 3,200, the wholesale and retail sector makes up over 18% of the total Vernon labour force.
Vernon’s population is growing, creating more demand for retail and wholesale services. Vernon also offers commercial land development opportunities in the city centre district and other areas, supplemented by favourable municipal tax-incentive programs.