Latest from The Spokesman-Review

• Sales tax receipts up in all sectors of state’s economy

  May 10, 2013 in City on Page A8 OLYMPIA – Taxes collected from all retail sales grew by 5 percent in Washington last year, the biggest jump from one year to the next since the recession began in … 1

• Retail sales sag in Spokane but rise in county for 2011

  April 28, 2012 in Business on Page A8 Retail sales increased in most metro areas of Washington last year, but they declined in Spokane. Taxable retail sales in the city slid 1.2 percent in 2011, to $3.6 billion, … 2

• Retail sales up nearly everywhere but Spokane

  April 27, 2012 in Business, City Retail sales increased in most metro areas of Washington last year, but they declined in Spokane. Taxable retail sales in the city slid 1.2 percent in 2011, to $3.6 billion, … 25

• Economic outlook brightens

  April 17, 2012 in Business on Page A7 WASHINGTON – Americans bought more electronics, started home improvement projects and updated their wardrobes last month, inspired by warmer weather and a healthier job market. Retail sales rose 0.8 percent …

• Nordstrom, Costco beat retail estimates

  December 1, 2011 in Business Oh what a difference a weekend can make. 4

• Spending data show December sales strong

  January 5, 2011 in Business Americans spent more on clothes, shoes, luxury goods and electronics in December than a year earlier, extending retail sales momentum that had been building since August, according to data released … 3

• Local retailers ready to cure shoppers’ ‘frugality fatigue’

  October 31, 2010 in Business, City on Page A1 Penn Fix, president of Dodson’s Jewelers in downtown Spokane, just finished a good week. On Tuesday a customer visited his family-owned jewelry store and left after buying a $14,000 diamond … 16

• Local retail sales lag state totals

  October 8, 2010 in Business on Page A10 Retail sales in Spokane County took a dip in the second quarter, while sales fared better in Western Washington metro areas, the Washington State Department of Revenue said Thursday. • …

• Retailers report surprising boost for September

  October 7, 2010 in Business, Nation/World Retailers reported surprisingly solid sales gains for September, boosted by back-to-school shopping, much of it pushed into September by parents who had put off trips to the mall.

• Mortgage rates drop to new low of 4.57 percent

  July 8, 2010 in Business Mortgage rates fell for the second straight week to the lowest point in five decades. But many people either don’t qualify for new mortgages or have already taken advantage of … 2

• Stocks pare losses as consumer sentiment climbs

  June 11, 2010 in Nation/World Stocks traded in a narrow range today after a report showed consumers are gaining confidence in the economy, even if they aren’t returning to stores.

• Region saw slighter dip in taxable sales

  April 30, 2010 in Business on Page A12 Taxable retail sales in Washington fell 11.2 percent in 2009, but the decreases for the city of Spokane and Spokane County were less severe.

• Retailers report 4th consecutive month of gains

  April 8, 2010 in Business Warmer weather and an earlier Easter enticed shoppers into stores for spring merchandise in March, helping retailers post strong sales gains for the month.

• Retail sales in Wash. dropped 11.6 percent in 3Q

  January 14, 2010 in City The state Department of Revenue says taxable retail sales in Washington dropped to $26.4 billion in the third quarter of 2009. That’s a 11.6 percent drop from the same period … 3

• Retail sales fall unexpectedly; jobless claims up

  January 14, 2010 in Business, Nation/World Retail sales unexpectedly fell in December, leaving 2009 with the biggest yearly drop on record and highlighting the formidable hurdles facing the economy as it struggles to recover from the … 1

• December retail sales show signs of life

  January 7, 2010 in Business, Nation/World Last-minute holiday shoppers brought relief to the nation’s retailers, handing them modest sales gains for the season and prompting several chains to raise their fourth-quarter profit outlooks.

• Economic news raises hopes for global recovery

  December 11, 2009 in Business Just in time for Christmas, the fragile economic recovery is showing signs of strengthening: Consumers are spending, companies are rebuilding stockpiles and Chinese exports are mounting a comeback. 1

• High-end shoppers have yet to buy in to turnaround

  December 6, 2009 in Business on Page E5 NEW YORK – It may be too early to call a turnaround in the luxury-retail sector. Despite expectations that high-end shoppers are gradually coming back to stores and with retailers …

• Retailers report surprise drop in November

  December 3, 2009 in Business The nation’s retailers posted a surprise sales decline for November after two consecutive months of gains, as a modestly positive start to holiday shopping wasn’t strong enough to offset weak … 1

• Retail sales rise 1.4 percent in October

  November 16, 2009 in Business Retail sales rose more than expected in October due largely to a big rebound in auto sales. But broader consumer spending remains under pressure, raising questions about the durability of …

• Retail sales fall unexpectedly in March

  April 14, 2009 in Business Retail sales fell unexpectedly in March, delivering a setback to hopes that the economy’s steep slide could be bottoming out. 1

• Shoppers Tightfisted; Holiday Sales Sluggish Consumers Likely To Wait Until Last Minute To Go On Buying Binge

  December 1, 1995 in Nation/World on Page A16 The holiday shopping season is off to a slack start despite efforts by retailers to boost sales. An FAO Schwarz employee dressed as a toy soldier beckons shoppers in front …

• Mixed Signals Raise Economic Doubts

  November 3, 1995 in Nation/World on Page A10 Factory orders rose strongly in September for the second straight month, spurred by rising business demand for big-ticket durable goods. But analysts said the gains were uneven and noted that …

• Apparel Sales Wilt In July Heat Wave

  August 4, 1995 in Nation/World on Page A14 The July heat wave was a blessing for retailers of air conditioners and backyard pools, but it once again dried up sales for some big apparel merchants. A mixed bag …

• Sales Of New Jackson Album Strong

  June 28, 1995 in Food on Page F5 Michael Jackson’s “HIStory Past, Present and Future, Book 1” album may not have set sales history, but the two-disc package appears to have done robust business during its first week …

• Nordstroms Cede Corporate Control But Retailing Family’s Next Generation Is In Training

  June 20, 1995 in Nation/World on Page A8 In a stunning move Monday, the four Nordstrom family members who run the huge retail chain kicked themselves upstairs, leaving the helm in non-Nordstrom hands for the first time in …

• Potato Appeal Shopping Channel Searches Out Products That Say ‘Idaho’

  April 2, 1995 in City on Page B2 Inventive entrepreneurs are trying to convince QVC buyers that nothing says “Idaho” better than a spud on a stick, or a pet pack, or maybe a wearable sled. Those products, …

• Crescent Court Adds Four Tenants

  March 22, 1995 in Nation/World on Page A8 Goodale & Barbieri Co. announced Tuesday that four new tenants will move into Crescent Court and open by summer. Kalispell, Mont.-based Moose Lake Co. will occupy 4,000 square feet on …

• Retail Sales Growth Starting To Slacken

  February 15, 1995 in Nation/World on Page A8 Retail sales are still rising but the pace has slackened in recent months in what analysts say is a sign higher interest rates are finally slowing the economy. The Commerce …