Why is this important?
Retail sales generate taxes that are the primary revenue for
local police, fire, roads and other infrastructure. Changes in
retail sales are also important to show growth or decline in
the business community.
What is the measure?
Sales data show the trends in the following categories: apparel
stores, general merchandise, grocery, restaurants and bars, home
furnishings and appliances, building materials and farm implements,
service stations and other retail stores.
How are we doing?
Retail sales show steady growth in Tuolumne County. All categories
show increases. However, the building materials and farm implements
category has been replaced by home furnishings and appliances
as the second highest growth category. Auto dealers and supplies
continues to show the highest growth. Grocery continues to show
the lowest growth rate.
Compared to the state, Tuolumne County sales
growth continues to be average. The sales change from 2003 to 2005
dropped below the state average. However, estimated data for 2006
show the county growth rate to be higher than the state growth
rate. The net increase in sales outlets remains below the state
average.
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