(Charlottesville, Virginia – May 24) The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce today released compiled sales & use tax data which show that during 2016’s first quarter (January-March) retail sales increased throughout the region – however, leading Easter holiday sales timing was different – as Easter 2016 occurred in March (27th) while Easter 2015 was in April (5th).
Virginia Department of Taxation sales tax data showed that retail sales during the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015 year were up in Albemarle County +9.69%; City of Charlottesville +3.41%; Augusta County +14.99%; Fluvanna County, +9.2%; Greene County, +28.77%; Louisa County, +11.61%; and, Waynesboro +2.39%. Jamie Boyers of Great Eastern Management Co. regularly and voluntarily, complies this and other data for the Chamber.
Over the first quarter of 2016, Albemarle & Charlottesville, the region’s retail hub, in the aggregate, accounted for $606.3 million (+6.85% v. 2015-Q1) in total retail sales (not including motor vehicle or gasoline/diesel sales) – an increase of $38.9 million compared to the first quarter of 2015.
The 2015 Chamber Jobs Report data show that 16,316 or 23.65%; of all private sector jobs, within the Greater Charlottesville region, are in “Trade, Transportation & Utilities;” most of those jobs in retail.
The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to representing private enterprise, promoting business and enhancing the quality of life in the Greater Charlottesville communities. Founded in 1913, today the 1,200 Chamber member and affiliate member enterprises employ more than 45,000 people in the Greater Charlottesville region, representing an estimated total payroll of more than $1.75 billion a year.
