Mount Vernon is the retail hub of Jefferson County, IL. Located at the crossroads of Interstates 57 and 64 with a 37,700 average daily traffic count, it’s a natural break and convenient location. The new Exit 94 opened in November 2009 which opens over 600 acres for development.

The Downtown Mt. Vernon Development area is home to local specialty shops and restaurants and is promoted by the Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation in collaboration with the City of Mt. Vernon. The Downtown TIF district has generated redevelopment projects and funded improvements to support their plans for revitalization.

The Davidson Drive and Potomac Blvd. shopping area is home to WalMart Super Center, Lowe’s, Staples, Kohls, as well as national brand restaurants and hotels.

The Broadway and 42nd Street shopping and commerce area includes Times Square Mall which is anchored by J.C. Penney, Sears, Peeples and Dunham’s Sporting Goods; King City Square which includes Kroger’s, Cato’s, Sally’s Beauty Supply, Dollar Store and Payless Shoe Store; and, 42nd Street Plaza, which include Rent One, Anytime Fitness, Day Star Christian book Store, and more.

The retail and service industry has grown though expansions and new business. Fairfield Inn ($4 million) and Comfort Inn Suites ($2.8) were new brands added to the hotel/motel inventory with new facilities in 2004. Tractor Supply Company built a new store ($1.2 million) on the west side of Mount Vernon in 2004. Rend Lake Community College redeveloped the 100,000 SF outlet mall to accommodate state agencies, the Small Business Development Center, college programs and the retail operations of Golf Pro, Bon-Worth, and Shoe Stop.

Goodwill Industries (2006) has a new facility on So. 42nd. Street as well as the First State Bank of Dix (2005). Fifth/Third Bank built a new facility in 2004 and Banterra Bank completed their new facility in 2005.  People’s National Bank added an eastside facility which was completed in 2008. Downtown Mt. Vernon restaurants offering locale cuisine includes 9th Street Grill, Tavern on 10th and Jimmy’s Blue Goose. Other additions to the local retail market include O’Reilly’s, Dunham’s Sports, Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant, a new 10,000 sf strip mall Game Stop, Verizon, Armed Services Recruiting Center and Jimmie John’s and Kohl’s opened their new store in March 2011.

Other national brands represented: WalMart Super Center, Lowes, Staples, JC Penney, Sears, Peeples, Bath & Body Works, NAPA, Shoe Sensation, Shoe Stop, GNC, Kmart, Kroger, Payless Shoes, Cato’s, Glik’s, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, Maurices, Claire’s, Hibbett Sports, Dollar Store, Deals for Le$$, Auto Zone, Walgreens, and CVS.

For a complete list of hotels, motels, restaurants, and other amenities in Mt. Vernon, please go to www.mtvernon.com