| Taxable retail sales increased 10.5 percent during the second quarter, the biggest percentage gain in 16 years, according to the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Sales by Washington businesses reached $27.6 billion during the April through June period, a $2.6 billion increase over the second quarter of 2005.
The 10.5 percent gain was the biggest percentage increase since sales rose 10.9 percent during the second quarter of 1990.
Retail trade was up 9.2 percent to $12.3 billion. Retail trade tracks sales at retail outlets and excludes such volatile sectors as construction. In the retail trade sector, computer and software sales were up 30.2 percent to $306.7 million; building materials and garden equipment rose 12.8 percent to $1.5 billion; RV, boat and motorcycle sales increased 11.7 percent to $441.7 million; and jewelry and luggage sales were up 10.2 percent to $106.4 million.
In the service sector, accommodations sales were up 13.1 percent to $483.4 million, while restaurant and bar sales were up 5.6 percent to $2.1 billion. Construction sales were up 19.8 percent to $5.3 billion.
A completebreakdown for all counties and selected cities, including sales by industry sector, are available at This Link. Figures for all cities are at This Link. | 