Sales in Nevada up 4.3 percent for October

By Cy Ryan

Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012 | 3:10 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Taxable sales in Nevada rose 4.3 percent in October, the 28th consecutive month of gains.

In Clark County, taxable sales increased 5.2 percent, spurred by clothing and auto sales.

The Nevada Tax Department reported Wednesday that statewide taxable sales reached $3.6 billion. It said 11 of Nevada’s 17 counties recorded increases.

Sales tax collections, however, were 2.4 percent lower — or $7.3 million — than predicted by the Economic Forum for the first four months of this fiscal year. The state builds its budget on the forecasts of the Economic Forum.

The largest statewide increases for October were recorded in car sales, up 16.8 percent, durable goods, up 22.2 percent, and clothing, up 12.6 percent.

In Clark County, auto sales were up 14.1 percent, and clothing sales posted a 13 percent gain. But bar and restaurant sales fell by 2.2 percent, furniture sales were off 0.1 percent, and general merchandise sales fell 0.2 percent.

Taxable sales in Clark County hit $2.6 billion for October, the 18th straight month of increases.