Nevada taxable sales jumped in July

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1998 | 11:09 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- In their best performance in more than one year, Nevada retailers rung up taxable sales of $2.1 billion in July, up 5.5 percent from July 1997.

A rebound in car sales and increased business in the general merchandise stores were two of the main reasons for the gain -- the highest since the 6.6 percent in May 1997. This was the third straight month of increased economic activity in the state.

Every major segment posted increases in the year-to-year comparison. The state Taxation Department said retail store sales rose 7.4 percent; restaurant and bars were up 3.5 percent and home furniture sales increased 6.8 percent.

The department said taxable sales jumped 6.9 percent in Clark County, the second highest gain of this year. The 18,678 merchants in Southern Nevada posted $1.4 billion in sales. Auto sales, up 19.1 percent, led the way.

Apparel stores reported a 10.1 percent increase in sales compared to a year ago in Southern Nevada; business in general merchandise stores jumped by 13.3 percent; and the bar and restaurant business rose by 4.1 percent.

While overall sales appeared strong in Southern Nevada, there were weak spots. Sale of building materials, one of the biggest items in terms of taxable sales, fell by 9.8 percent.

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