Sequim Gazette staff

Washington state’s taxable retail sales grew 7.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, reaching just over $35.9 billion, according to the Washington state Department of Revenue.

Retail trade, which is a portion of all taxable retail sales, rose 4.7 percent to a total of $16.2 billion in that same time period of Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2015.

The data comes from a quarterly analysis of tax return data by industry provided by the state revenue department. Reports compare the same quarter year-over-year to equalize any seasonal effects that would influence consumer and business spending decisions.

• Sales reported by new and used auto dealers increased 9.5 percent, reaching $3 billion.

• Sales of apparel and accessories only rose 0.65 percent, reaching $1.3 billion for the quarter.

• Drug and health stores’ sales grew 19.8 percent, reaching $623 million.

• Taxable e-commerce and mail order sales increased 10.3 percent, to $786 million.