Sales down 10 percent in Douglas County

First quarter retail sales in Douglas County declined by 10.4 percent compared with those in 2007, while amounts in Ashland and Bayfield counties increased 11.5 and 7.6 percent respectively.

But there’s a glitch that arises when comparing the two years. This year, Easter fell in March, which would have bolstered first quarter spending. A year ago, it was celebrated in April and reflected in second-quarter data. So first quarter 2008 results probably were higher than those in 2007 because the holiday spending occurred a month earlier.

Based on state tax collection data, first quarter retail sales totaled $149.9 million in Douglas County compared with $167.2 million through March 31 of 2007. While the decline seems sharp, spending during 2008 remained higher than during 2006 and 2005, when it was $137.4 million and $126.9 million respectively.

In Ashland County, 2008 spending of $58.1 million was up from $52.1 million in 2007, $50.4 million in 2006 and $46 million in 2005.

Bayfield County showed a similar trend, with retail sales of $37 million in 2008, $34.4 million in 2007, $32.6 million in 2006 and $31.5 million in 2005.

Tags: sales, tax, retail, sales, recession, douglas, ashland, bayfield