Retailers continue to express interest in locating in Andalusia, City Administrator John Thompson told the Andalusia City Council last week.

“I can confirm that the Jackson brothers, who own the Shoppes of Covington, have secured a new tenant for the space formerly occupied by Big Lots,” Thompson said. “They aren’t ready to make the announcement, but I can say it is a national grocery.”

Thompson also told the council he had met earlier that day with Wintzell’s Oyster House, which has locations in Greenville and Montgomery.

“They were fine with me sharing the information that they are considering Andalusia as their next location,” he said.  “We feel like there is a high degree of probability of that working out.”

He also noted that Wintzell’s extensive menu includes several items featuring Conecuh Sausage, which will soon be manufactured in Andalusia.

Thompson’s comments came on the heels of the auditors’ presentation.

Missy Pierce, CPA, and Gail Hayes, CPA, from Rabren, Odom, Pierce and Hayes, P.C. presented a draft of the city’s audited financials for fiscal year 2024 to the Andalusia City Council.

The audit showed that sales taxes, which are the city’s primary source of income, increased by $194,587 in 2024, which represents a $4.8 million growth in local retail sales. The city’s total sales tax revenue in 2024 was $12.2 million.

A portion of that revenue is reserved for local schools.

“Building our local retail economy helps us develop the city, and provides funding for services and amenities provided by the city,” Thompson said.