Record-Setting Retail
Cambridge's rapidly expanding retail mix draws shoppers from up to 60 miles.

Lowe's and Kohl's are the most recent additions to a retail district anchored by Wal-Mart, Menards, Target, Sears, Cub Foods and Office Max.

The community's Wal-Mart Supercenter is consistently the top-selling store in the three-state region. Menard's mega store ranks among the largest in Minnesota. Target and Sears also do a brisk business, along with retail offerings in the city's handsome Village Mall and revitalized downtown.

Retail Trade Areas
A Retail Market Analysis conducted by the McComb Group, Ltd. in 2005 called Cambridge “the major shopping destination within its trade area…with the largest concentration of retail and service establishments in its primary and secondary trade areas.”  It predicted that Cambridge could become “a major retail and commercial hub in central Minnesota” by taking advantage of the area’s residential and commercial growth and increasing retail potential.

Cambridge’s primary trade area includes the communities of Cambridge, Isanti, North Branch, Harris, Bethel, Stacy, Rush City, Braham, Rock Creek, Grasston, Pine City, Henriette, Ogilvie, Mora, Quamba, Brook Park, and Hinckley. The St. Croix River to the east creates a natural trade area barrier. So does Highway 47 to the west, the Twin Cities to the south, and population breaks to the north.

Cambridge’s secondary trade area extends all directions, creating an outer ring around the primary trade area. It is served by Highways 65, 47 and 95 and Interstate 35.

Retail Development Potential
Cambridge’s trade areas are experiencing rapid growth as residents move into the southern
and central portions. This residential growth is expected to continue over the coming years, according to the McComb Market Analysis. Several factors support Cambridge’s retail and service expansion:

• Isanti County’s position as one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota  
• Rapid future household growth in Cambridge’s Central Business District, primary trade area and secondary trade
• Cambridge’s role as a major retail destination since big-box retailers have opened in the east side commercial district
• Cambridge’s position as a regional medical center, which draws patients from throughout the primary and secondary trade areas
• Cambridge’s history of strong retail sales growth