By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

The Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development has completed its annual survey to find out what retail and dining area residents would like to see in Hays and, as usual, big-name chains appeared on the top of the list, including Olive Garden and Target.

More than 1,200 respondents took the survey and answered the majority of their shopping actually occurs outside of Hays.

Respondents reported only 40 percent of shopping was done in Hays, with Salina listed as the most frequent town outside of where Hays area shoppers travel. Wichita took second, and the Kansas City are placed third.

Target was listed as the most desired store with over 700 respondents indicating when shopping out of Hays, the retail box chain received their business.

Survey respondents overwhelming stated clothing stores in general are among the biggest desired shopping locations.

On the dining side of the survey, Olive Garden took the most desired restaurant with 572 respondents indicating they would like to see the chain come to Hays. Red Lobster and Buffalo Wild Wings rounded out the top three.