Record-breaking pace continues
With Lafayette Parish retail sales of more than $485 million in August, 2013 year-to-date sales have climbed to $3.93 billion, an increase of 4.8 percent over 2012.
August sales reflect an increase of 14.5 increase over August 2012.
The pace is picking up, as only a month ago sales were 3.5 percent stronger.
"August 2013 is the highest August on record since LEDA began tracking retail sales in Lafayette Parish," says Gregg Gothreaux, president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. "With eight months of sales recorded, we continue to outpace last year's record-setting numbers."
As with retail sales, 2013 hotel/motel receipts continue to outperform 2012 totals, according to LEDA. August hotel/motel receipts totaled $6.6 million, placing the year-to-date total 1.57 percent higher than 2012.
Overall, services, auto, and furniture are the top performing categories with increases of 15.3 percent, 10 percent and 7 percent, respectively, over 2012 numbers. All other categories show increases over or are holding steady with 2012 numbers, LEDA notes.