(Charlottesville, Virginia – August 24) The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce today released compiled sales & use tax data which show that during 2016’s first half year (January-June) retail sales activity was up across the region, with sales off slightly only in Waynesboro.
Virginia Department of Taxation sales tax data compiled showed that retail sales during the first half of calendar year 2016 compared to the first half of calendar year 2015 year, up in Albemarle County +7.25%; in Charlottesville +3.93%; in Augusta County +9.81%; in Fluvanna County +12.13; in Greene County, +15.45%; and, in Louisa County, +7.06%. Retail sales where slightly off, essentially flat in Waynesboro -0.32%.
Over the first six months of 2016, Albemarle and Charlottesville, the region’s retail hub, in the aggregate, accounted for $1.29 billion (+5.79% v. 2015-Q1&Q2) in total retail sales (not including motor vehicle or gasoline/diesel sales). Due to confidentially, competitive and proprietary requirements, the Virginia Department of Taxation does not report retail sales of particular enterprises or retail sales within areas of a locality.
The 2015 Chamber Jobs Report data showed that more than 16,316 jobs, 23.65% of all private sector jobs within the Greater Charlottesville region, are in “Trade, Transportation & Utilities;” most of those in retail. The Chamber will release its comprehensive 2016 Chamber Jobs Report prior to the Labor Day holiday and the 2016 Chamber Jobs Action Summit on September 7th at The Senior Center.
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.
