Retails sales hit $26 billion during the first part of 2013, according to the state Department of Revenue. That represents an 8 percent rise from last year.
Here’s what the report tells us about our state’s economy:
• Spending on hotels and restaurants increased 4.7 percent
• Sales of cars — new or used — jumped 11.6 percent
• Building materials and landscaping/garden supplies got a 14.2 percent boost
• Construction jumped 16.9 percent
This means retails sales have almost recovered from the Great Recession. The Department of Revenue says that the last time taxable retail sales exceeded $26 billion was the first quarter of 2008.
|
|
Taxable retail sales |
Percent change |
|
King |
$10.3 billion |
7.6 |
|
Pierce |
$2.8 billion |
11.0 |
|
Snohomish |
$2.5 billion |
10.2 |
|
Spokane |
$1.7 billion |
6.6 |
|
Clark |
$1.1 billion |
7.8 |
The good news comes on the heels of other good news, including a state revenue forecast that’s looking sunnier and nationwide rankings that point to Washington state as a great place to do business.
For more information — by county, city or industry — read the Department of Revenue’s full report.