THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION ADVANTAGE RELEASE
Illinois Department of Revenue data shows Danville grocery sales ran above the state average; organization will put the market’s numbers in front of grocery operators across the region
DANVILLE, Ill. — July 9, 2026 — Vermilion Advantage, the economic and workforce development organization and chamber of commerce serving Danville and Vermilion County, today responded to the closure of the Village Mall County Market — and announced it will actively share market data with grocery operators across the region demonstrating that Danville remains a strong, proven grocery market.
“County Market has been an important and beloved store for Danville and Vermilion County — for many families, it’s where they’ve shopped for years,” said Amy Brown, President and CEO of Vermilion Advantage. “These storms caused significant damage across our region — including multiple stores at the Village Mall — and I have no doubt this was a difficult decision for them. Our residents are fortunate to have strong grocery options with Walmart, Meijer, and Save-A-Lot here in Danville — but over many years, this community grew to love County Market as its hometown alternative, and that loyalty is real.”
The store had been closed since June 9 following storm and water damage from severe weather the previous weekend. When the damage first occurred, Niemann Foods announced that associates would be transferred to other store locations, and the company donated food from the store to area food pantries in partnership with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank — actions Brown said “speak to their character as a company.” The closure also comes amid well-documented challenges at the Village Mall property, which has changed hands repeatedly in recent years amid declining occupancy — a factor Brown said underscores why Vermilion Advantage is keeping every option open. “The strength of this market isn’t tied to any one building,” she said.
A Proven Grocery Market — and a Message to the Industry
Vermilion Advantage pointed to Illinois Department of Revenue sales tax data showing that in calendar year 2025 — before the storm damage and closure — Danville’s food and grocery sales per resident ran at 1.03 times the Illinois statewide average, meaning the city was not only serving its own residents but drawing grocery shoppers in from the surrounding region.
“That demand didn’t close with the store. It’s still here, it’s proven, and it’s now looking for a home,” Brown said. “This
community demonstrated for years that it will support a traditional supermarket right alongside national retailers — that’s not speculation, that’s a track record. Our job is to make sure every grocery operator in this region knows what these numbers say about Danville — and we will. To any grocer looking for a market where the customers are already proven, Danville is that market, wherever the right location proves to be. Our door is open, our data is ready, and our residents deserve nothing less.”
Vermilion Advantage will make its market analysis available to any grocery operator or developer interested in serving the Danville and Vermilion County market, and will continue working with the City of Danville and community partners on opportunities for growth across the region.
Data source: Illinois Department of Revenue, Sales Tax Statistics — SIC Code Sales Tax Reports, calendar year 2025
(tax.illinois.gov). Per-resident figures calculated using U.S. Census Bureau population estimates. Figures reflect conditions prior to the June 2026 storm damage and store closure.
About Vermilion Advantage
Vermilion Advantage is the economic and workforce development organization and chamber of commerce for Danville and Vermilion County, Illinois.
Vision: To build community & create opportunity.
Mission: We lead, develop, and connect people, businesses, and resources to cultivate economic success in Vermilion County. Learn more at vermilionadvantage.com
