With more than $527 million in sales in August, year-to-date taxable sales have reached $4.15 billion, according to the Lafayette Economic Development Authority.
Year-to-date sales are up 4.8% from 2018 and up 8.3% from 2017. In 2019, the past six months had taxable sales over $500 million each month, LEDA reports.
Total taxable sales are up 3.9% in the City of Lafayette and 14.1% in unincorporated areas of the parish. Sales are also up in neighboring municipalities— Broussard (3.8%), Carencro (12.9%), Scott (4.1%), and Youngsville (2.4%). Sales in Duson are down 12.5%
“Taxable sales in August are the second highest August sales on record— just $3.1 million behind 2014— continuing the trend we’ve seen this year,” says Gregg Gothreaux, President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. “The steady increase in sales seen over the past year is an encouraging sign given the overall state of retail across the country. Locally owned retailers and service providers will continue to have a measurable impact on the economy. As we enter the holiday season, I want to encourage shoppers to shop local— whether in person or online.”
Within the City of Lafayette, year-to-date total sales are up in the food, general merchandise, auto, furniture, services, and miscellaneous/other categories— ranging from 13.9% to 1.1%. Apparel and building materials are down slightly— 1.4% and 0.03%, respectively, LEDA reports.
Hotel/Motel receipts in August are up 12.1% compared to August 2018. Year-to-date receipts are up 7.8% compared to 2018 numbers.
LEDA’s forecasting model calculates total taxable sales in 2019 will reach $6.2 billion.
Sales tax collection numbers are gathered by the Lafayette Parish School System.
