Jul 11, 2010

Sales tax, retail sales show Victoria on an upswingBy Allison MilesVictoriaAdvocate.com

Victoria, TX – From purses to planters, boots to boats, Victoria boasts a variety of retail shops to cater to Crossroads residents. And it appears those residents are taking advantage of those offerings.

As the national economy works to right itself, Victoria’s retail industry has seen an upswing.

The city of Victoria collected $4,535,675.44 in sales tax income during 2010’s second quarter, according to the state comptroller’s website. That’s slightly up from the $4,489,073.43 collected during 2009’s second quarter.

Victoria’s Foster Creek Station saw a 6 percent increase in May from the same time last year, said Susan Teinert, who co-owns the boutique with Joyce Foster. The big sellers seem to be Yellow Box flip-flops, Brighton jewelry and dresses, she said.

Teinert attributed her increased business to improved consumer confidence.

“They’re just able to spend a little bit more on things for themselves,” she said, explaining that, year-over-year, sales are about even.

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