Taxable retail sales provide a measure of consumer activity in Pierce County, which is the largest contributor to our local economy.  Shown is the dollar amount in billions, and the growth rate of taxable sales for both Pierce County and Washington State for comparison. 

Pierce County fared better in retail sales growth than the state of Washington as a whole during the period 1999 to 2005, averaging 6.7% per year.  From 2006-2009, Pierce County’s retail sales shrank (negative growth) at the rate of -1.6% per year, with 2009 seeing the largest negative growth of -13.8%, over $2 Billion less than 2008.  Pierce County’s taxable retail sales grew slightly in 2010 by 1.8% (about $200 Million) compared to the state as a whole which experienced a negative growth of 0.1%.  This may be an indicator that Pierce County’s consumer economy is recovering slightly faster than the state as a whole.  The Washington State Department of Revenue reports quarterly on taxable sales from all affected employers.