TUCSON, Ariz. (13News) – Retail and food service sales nationwide increased by billions of dollars between June and July.
But a look at retailers in Southern Arizona shows sales declining across multiple industries.
Sales are up 1 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but some Tucson-area stores aren’t seeing the same increase.
“Sales are always down in the summer,” said Holly Harper, owner of Birdhouse Yarns. “Usually people leave town after May. The snowbirds leave town for the summer, so that affects our sales and we get fewer visitors. We get a lot of visitors throughout the year, but not in the summer.”
Heat isn’t the only factor in change.
Clothing and clothing accessories was one of the markets that hasn’t seen significant growth since June, with the Census Bureau reporting a preliminary 0.1 percent decline.
“I think it really depends on what business you’re in and where you are in the country,” Harper said. “You can’t just take the U.S. numbers and assume that applies to everyone.”
Harper said overall store sales were down 35 percent between June and July.
To make up for the decline in foot traffic, Harper is organizing events to bring more people to her store.
She also has a loyal customer base that wants to support local Tucson businesses, and said while other stores may offer the same products for less, local stores offer a more intimate experience.
“It’s definitely an inspiration for people when they come in and see what’s available and get interested in different things,” she said.
The Census Bureau report can be found here.
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