KGMI News
By Tracy Ellis
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Stores in Whatcom County had a good year.
Retails sales increased by more than 5.5% in 2016.
Guy Occhiogrosso with the local Chamber says there is a reason why it may not be that exciting.
“So the most basic explanation is: inflation. But we are seeing a lot of, I would say, growth in the community, you can look at our housing market. I think that inflation is not exclusive to the housing market. Things are just getting more expensive.”
Whatcom County retailers sold nearly $4 billion worth of merchandise last year.
Statewide, sales were up close to eight percent compared to 2015.