February retail sales inched up over the same month in 2009, marking the first year-over-year increase since July 2008.
Total taxable retail sales in February were $979.3 million, a 0.2% increase over February 2009’s $977.5 million, according to the Maine State Planning Office. Building supply sales rose 4.6% over February 2009, while restaurant and lodging sales rose 2.6% and 0.1%, respectively. Food store sales dropped 1% year over year, while auto sales fell 9.5%. Though personal consumption sales rose 0.3%, business operating sales fell 0.8% compared with February 2009.
Retail sales for December through February, however, fell 1.5% compared with the same three months the year previous. For more, see By the numbers, below.