Author: Ben Hohenstatt / Source: Newstrib

Bob Vickrey is too old to write letters to Santa, but he knew exactly what he wanted for Christmas: It was for Peru to break its retail sales tax record and rack up $600 million in sales for the first time ever.

Tuesday, Peru's economic development director saw the final numbers from 2016 and Santa is getting a thank-you card. Peru did set a sales record in 2016. As for the hoped-for $600 million, Peru posted a trailing 12-month performance over $600 million, but they didn't quite squeeze that much sales into the calendar year.

"Peru's best shot at $600 million in a calendar year was always a long shot; but just like Michael Jordan when he missed a long-shot he came back and took another shot, " Vickrey said. "We will get another shot at the title by setting our goal at $600 million in calendar year 2017."

The Illinois Department of Revenue posted the state's December retail sales tax receipts and Peru's terrific holiday sales season pushed the city into record sales territory ? and oh-so-close to the $600 million threshold.

Vickrey noted that weather "plays a huge shot in retail sales" and that weather-wise 2016 was nothing if not erratic. He also noted 2017 already looks more promising, with several retailers (including a new sporting goods retailer to replace MC Sports) coming online.

"There's a lot in the pipeline, " he said, "I'm sure Peru will set another record, because...

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