Total taxable retail sales in May 2009 were down 12.3% from May 2008, and 9.2% lower year-to-date compared to the same period last year. Sales from Food Stores remained positive for the fifth month of 2009 while sales from all other categories of stores were negative. May Building Supply sales were down 19.9% from May 2008 and down 19% year-to-date compared to the same period last year. Auto Transportation experienced the steepest drop this May at -20%.
May 2009 Retail Sales:
% Change May 2008 to May 2009
% Change 2008 YTD to 2009 YTD
Building Supply
-19.9%
-19.0%
Food Store
3.4%
3.0%
General Merchandise
-6.1%
-4.8%
Other Retail
-6.6%
-0.2%
Restaurant
-2.4%
-0.5%
Lodging
-13.3%
-10.2%
Auto Transportation
-20.0%
-15.6%
Total
-12.3%
-9.2%
Business Operating
-21.5%
-15.8%
Personal Consumption
-11.1%
-8.1%
Source: Maine Revenue Services
Maine Restaurant Association
45 Melville Street Suite 2, Augusta ME 04330 Tel: 207-623-2178 Fax: 866-711-5408 [email protected]
