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01/20/2006: "Retail Sales Up In County"

Overall taxable retail sales in Washington state during the third quarter of 2005 posted the largest percentage gain in 15 years, the Washington State Department of Revenue reported today. It was the biggest percentage gain in sales since a 10.9 percent increase for the second quarter of 1990, according to Department records. San Juan county was below the state average, but still showed a change of 5.7%

Sales tax due on construction activity in the state was the single largest component of taxable retail sales at 18.9 percent of the total, followed by vehicle sales at 9.9 percent, general merchandise stores sales at 8.3 percent, and restaurants and bars at 7.6 percent. Retail building materials, garden equipment and supplies were up 5.1 percent.