The following is a release from the Washington State Department of Revenue:

The state’s taxable retail sales made in the second quarter of 2015, April 1 through June 30, reached $33.9 billion, a 9.4 percent increase over the same quarter in 2014. Figures for the retail trade industry, which is a subset of all taxable retail sales made in the state, show an 8 percent increase over the same time period last year. The retail trade comprised $15 billion of the state’s total taxable retail sales.

These data come from reports released by the Washington State Department of Revenue each quarter. The reports compare the second quarter year-over-year to equalize any seasonal effects of consumer purchasing behavior.

Revenue categorizes the state’s taxable retail sales using the North American Industry Classification System, the same method federal statistical agencies use to classify businesses for the purpose of analyzing data related to the economy.

Second Quarter 2015 snapshot:

· Sales of vehicles and auto parts jumped 11.14 percent to $3.85 billion.

· Purchases in building materials and gardening stores rose 11.38 percent to $1.76 billion

· General merchandise stores reported $2.62 billion in taxable sales, up 4.66 percent

· Figures from accommodations, restaurants and bars statewide increased 10.64 percent to $4 billion

Revenue provides additional detail about taxable retail sales by city, county and industry. These reports for the second quarter of 2015 are posted here: http://dor.wa.gov/Content/AboutUs/StatisticsAndReports/stats_lrs2015.aspx.

Third quarter 2015 data should be available in late January 2016.