State’s taxable sales down in first quarter

Washington’s taxable sales fell by 2.9 percent in first quarter of 2010, the state’s revenue department reported. Total retail taxable sales statewide came to $22.6 billion.

Construction was the leading reason for the decline, said a revenue department press release. Statewide, retail trade was up in the first quarter, gaining 1.9 percent above sales in the first quarter 2009.

Retail trade is a subset of all taxable retail sales, and excludes service industries and construction

Spokane County fared better than most, reporting a 2.8 percent decline in overall taxable sales. King County fell 4.7 percent and Pierce County dropped 3.6 percent. Clark County saw a 1 percent decline in taxable sales.

Among major cities Spokane fared best, reporting a 1.6 percent sales decline in the quarter. Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue and Vancouver reported drops of 8.3, 7.5, 6.0 and 4.4 percent respectively.