Retail sales were up in January, though performance was mixed in individual categories.
Total taxable retail sales in January were a little over $1 billion, a 2.9% increase over January 2010, according to data from the Maine State Planning Office. Auto and transportation saw the biggest jump with nearly 10% growth, while lodging, food store and other retail also saw increases. General merchandise sales dropped the most, and building supply and restaurant sales also declined. (See the table below for more information.)
Over a three-month period from November to January, retail sales were up 3.5% compared to the same period the prior year. All categories saw gains in that three-month window.
