Douglas taxable sales continue slide

Taxable sales in Douglas County fell 15.9 percent in July from the same month last year, according to figures released Wednesday by the Nevada Department of Taxation.

Sales for the month totaled $51.5 million, compared to last July's $61.2 million.

Merchant wholesalers of durable good were down 47.6 percent, while merchant wholesalers of non-durable goods were off 33.8 percent.

Motor vehicle and parts dealers were down 54.4 percent, furniture and home furnishing stores were down 26.9 percent, and building material and garden equipment suppliers were down 18.9 percent.

Some sectors saw minor declines, such as food and beverage stores, which were down 1.7 percent, and general merchandise stores, which were off by only 3.9 percent.

Despite the overall drop in sales, the county had several bright spots, too.

Machinery manufacturing was up 78.6 percent from a year ago, from $141,632 in July sales to $252,991. Gas stations were up 6.1 percent, and warehousing and storage was up 23.6 percent.

Statewide, taxable sales fell 18.8 percent from last year, including a 20.6 percent decline in Clark County.

County Taxable Sales Change from 7/08

Statewide $3.07 billion -18.8%

Carson City $61.9 million -12.7%

Churchill $22.8 million 0.8%

Douglas $51.5 million -15.9%

Lyon $28.78 million -20.2%

Storey $3.87 million -16.1%

Washoe $442.97 million -15.2%

Clark County $2.23 billion -20.6%