Retail spending in EBR rises 8 percent in June
by Chad calder
Advocate business writer
August 25, 2012
Retail spending in East Baton Rouge Parish rose 8 percent in June and is up almost 9 percent for the year, figures released by the city-parish Finance Department show.
The numbers, which do not including vehicle sales, indicate businesses and consumers spent $696 million in June compared to $644.2 million the same month a year ago.
June is the final full month that will see spending totals boosted by the national bowling tournament, which began bringing visitors to town in February. The Mayor’s Office has estimated the five-month event will ultimately have brought in 100,000 visitors and goosed the local economy by $100 million.
Spending inside the city limits was up 5 percent in June, while spending in outlying areas of the parish was up 12 percent. For the year, those areas are up 5 percent and 13 percent, respectively.
The vehicle sales category continued its strong run, with sales up 29 percent to $58.0 million. Vehicle sales are up 16 percent for the year.
Taking a look at the budget picture for the city-parish, collections were $15.1 million in June, up more than 9 percent from $13.8 million in June 2011. For the year, collections are up just over 9 percent to $86.6 million.
In a press release, Mayor-President Kip Holden once again pledged that any uptick in revenue will be put toward public safety initiatives.