Knox County is seeing a wave of investment from national retailers and local development projects, a trend economic leaders say reflects growing confidence in the area’s economy.

Starbucks and Five Below are now open, Dunkin’ remains under construction, and Aldi is preparing to enter the local grocery market. Those announcements come as an Amazon delivery station moves forward, new market-rate apartments rise at Bierhaus Flats, and several existing businesses expand.

Knox County Economic Development CEO Chris Pfaff says when multiple sectors — including retail, logistics, manufacturing, and housing — develop at the same time, it signals that companies believe in the strength of the local market.

Pfaff says housing remains a key part of that growth. The first Bierhaus Flats units are expected to be available this summer, with additional units planned through next year.

He adds that economic development efforts are also focused on long-term population stability by attracting new residents and encouraging some of the thousands of people who commute into Knox County for work each day to live locally.