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Taxable Retail Sales Increase 6.2 Percent for Fourth Quarter 2007

OLYMPIA, Wash., April 10, 2007 — Overall taxable retail sales increased 6.2 percent during the fourth quarter of 2007, although retail trade rose less than half that amount, the Washington State Department of Revenue reported today.

Taxable retail sales totaled $31.1 billion from October through December 2007, compared to $29.3 billion for the same period in 2006. Retail trade was up a weaker 2.7 percent to $13.8 billion from $13.4 billion a year earlier. Retail trade tracks sales at retail outlets only and excludes such volatile sectors as contracting.

The slowdown in retail trade was offset by sales tax from construction activity in some cities. Construction activity increased 13.6 percent statewide to $6.4 billion. It accounted for 20.6 percent of all taxable retail sales.

Among other large industry sectors, sales of motor vehicles and parts declined 0.37 percent to $2.9 billion. Sales by general merchandise stores increased 2.8 percent to $3 billion. Accommodations and food services increased 6.2 percent to $2.7 billion. Within that segment, restaurants, food services and drinking places were up 5.7 percent to $2.2 billion. Building materials and supplies declined 3 percent to $1.2 billion. Apparel and accessories sales climbed 8.2 percent to $1.1 billion.

Results for the five most populace counties:

	Taxable retail sales	% change	Retail trade	% change
King	$12.5 billion	8.8%	$4.9 billion	2.9%
Snohomish	$3.4 billion	5.4%	$1.5 billion	1.7%
Pierce	$3.2 billion	1.2%	$1.6 billion	0.3%
Spokane	$2.0 billion	2.0%	$1.0 billion	2.2%
Clark	$1.3 billion	0.04%	$562 million	-0.2%

Results for cities with the most sales:

	Taxable retail sales	% change	Retail trade	% change
Seattle	$4.5 billion	10.0%	$1.5 billion	4.2%
Bellevue	$1.7 billion	12.0%	$742 million	0.9%
Tacoma	$1.2 billion	- 0.8%	$585 million	-1.8%
Spokane	$1.1 billion	0.1%	$526 million	-0.1%
Everett	$765 million	5.7%	$352 million	-0.4%