County merchants seek big jump in taxable sales
Merchants in Douglas County had a pretty good October, raking in a 13.2 percent increase in taxable sales compared to the same month in 2013.
Food services and drinking establishments saw an 18 percent increase to $10.5 million, up from last year’s $8.9 million.
General merchandise stores were down 4.9 percent compared to last year, hitting $7.18 million in October 2014.
Building material and garden equipment and supplies continued to climb, hitting $5.5 million up 10.6 percent from last year.
Merchant wholesalers of durable goods rocketed out of the doldrums with $4.43 million in sales, up 78.5 percent over last year’s $2.4 million.
Food and beverage stores were essentially flat with $2.5 million, down 1.7 percent from last year.
Rounding out the county’s top five categories motor vehicle and parts dealers had another good month in October, with $2.3 million in sales, up 13.3 percent.
It will be the end of January before numbers for Black Friday are available.
