Washington state’s taxable retail sales grew 8.9 percent in the first three months of 2016, topping $32 billion. Retail trade, which is a subset of all taxable retail sales, rose 5.1 percent to total $13.9 billion.

These figures are part of a quarterly report released today by the Washington State Department of Revenue (Revenue). The Quarterly Business Review compares the same quarter year-over-year to equalize any seasonal effects that would influence consumer and business spending decisions.

Statewide snapshot of taxable retail sales activity

· Sales reported by new and used auto dealers increased 9.7 percent, reaching $3 billion.

· Sales of apparel and accessories dropped 1 percent, marking $851.7 million for the quarter.

· Drug and health stores’ sales rose 18.4 percent, reaching $586.9 million.

· Taxable e-commerce and mail order sales increased 16.7 percent to $606.5 million.