This paper examines the retail trade sector in 55 West Virginia counties from 1989 through 1998. A time-space recursive model evaluates the impact of the entrance of Wal-Mart stores in the county and in adjacent counties. This paper differs from earlier research in that it controls for endogeneity in the entrance decision of Wal-Mart in faster-growing counties, applies spatial analysis, and estimates impacts at the county level. This research finds a net increase in employment (55 jobs) and a mild increase in the number of firms (five) in the Retail Trade sector (SIC 52). The study supports the pull-factor explanation of retail trade growth. The paper concludes with further research recommendations.
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