At first glance, Tupelo may seem like hundreds of other sleepy little southern cities. Yet a closer look reveals a regional hub abuzz with activity.

Although the city is home to just under 50,000 people, Tupelo's service trade area is over 900,000 people.

It boasts a wealth of disposable income thanks in part to being the largest producer of upholstered furniture and the second largest manufacturer of all furniture sold in the world.

It is also home to Mississippi's largest and one of the country's most respected medical centers. These factors, along with its ability to draw shoppers from Mississippi, alabama, and Tennessee, help Tupelo rank second in the entire state in retail sales.