Retail Trade and Commercial Services

Our Sectors

Retail Trade and Commercial Services

Retail Trade: Retail trade plays a vibrant role in Hastings County, where six charming and lively town centres warmly welcome thousands of guests each year, contributing to more than $170 million in visitor spending in 2024.

Commercial Services: Many commercial service businesses already call Hastings County home, spanning a wide range of business types and playing a vital role in supporting both residents and visitors.

Industry Facts

$171M

Spent at retail in 2024

8,300

Sector Employees

1,005

Sector Businesses

$6M

Spent on tourism related services in 2024

Sector Highlights

A young family shopping at a grocery store. A small child is reaching for an item while holding on to their parents back. A women us pushing a shopping cart.

Grocery & General Merchandise

Hastings features major grocery and merchandise chains, as well as established locally owned retailers, including No Frills, Foodland, and Independent.

Specialty Retail

Hastings County features a variety of specialty retail stores, including large chains such as Home Hardware and Canadian Tire, as well as unique local shops like The Old Hastings Mercantile.

Commercial Services

Hastings County has numerous commercial service businesses, both large and small, across a wide range of industries, including landscaping, IT, accounting, insurance, and more.

Why Choose Hastings

Abundant & Affordable Land and Real Estate

Investors can benefit from more affordable real estate and a growing supply of available commercial and industrial land. Furthermore, with access to our updated listings of available properties, selecting a site becomes easier, making Hastings a convenient and cost-effective location for establishing new facilities or expanding existing operations.

Strong Workforce & Regional Market Strength

Hastings County benefits from a sizeable regional market of roughly 300,000 people and an available workforce of more than 100,000, giving investors access to both customers and talent. Combined with a thriving entrepreneurial community, the region offers a solid foundation for business growth.

Strong and Innovative Business Support Ecosystem

Hastings County actively supports business growth through free and confidential business coaching, access to financing and incentives, and comprehensive business resources. This ensures both new and existing businesses have the guidance and tools needed to succeed.

Strategic Location & Infrastructure

Hastings sits between major Ontario corridors, Highways 7, 28, 62, and 401, providing quick and convenient access to major markets. The region is also receiving high‑speed fibre‑optic expansion projects, and new or upgraded 5G towers to increase connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors.