Sales jobs in Phoenix (http://lazboyjobs.com) are being negatively affected by the lack of a strong local small business community.

The recently-released American Express OPEN Independent Retail Index found that places with a strong small business environment perform better on a neighborhood, city, and national level. Neighborhoods with strong independent businesses continuously benefit from stronger home values and an even stronger employment marketplace among small companies.

The report looked at 27 neighborhoods in 15 major cities where small businesses have thrived. The results found that home values in those neighborhoods outperformed broader markets by 4 percent each year and by 50 percent overall during the last 14 years. Those markets also supported an average of more than 1,800 jobs at retailers, restaurants, and bars.

"This research validates what we know intuitively - that small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities," Susan Sobbott, president of American Express OPEN, said in a statement. "There is concrete evidence that thriving independent neighborhoods lead to higher real estate values and more local jobs."

Unfortunately, Phoenix was ranked last among the 15 cities in the report. Along with Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, and San Diego, Phoenix consistently ranked below the national benchmark for both retail and eating and drinking establishments.

The 15 cities included in the report were ranked as follows:

1. New York
2. San Francisco
3. Washington, D.C.
4. Boston
5. Philadelphia
6. Miami
7. Los Angeles
8. Seattle
9. Atlanta
10. Chicago
11. Detroit
12. San Diego
13. Minneapolis
14. Dallas
15. Phoenix

Labels: Sales jobs in Phoenix