Lafayette, LA— With more than $509 million in taxable sales in January, the year began 4.52% higher than January 2019 and 13.75% higher than January 2018.

“As a barometer of consumer confidence, it is encouraging to see retail sales continue an upward trajectory as the first economic indicators of 2020 are being reported,” says Gregg Gothreaux, President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. “LEDA will monitor local indicators as worldwide economic markets feel the effects of current health concerns. Taxable sales is a concurrent indicator that adjusts at the same time as the overall economy.”

Total taxable sales are up 3.34% in the City of Lafayette and 25.99% in unincorporated areas of the parish. Sales are also up in neighboring municipalities—Carencro (8.32%) and Youngsville (5.61%). Sales are down in Broussard (14.97%), Duson (4.88%), and Scott (2.77

Hotel-Motel receipts in January totaled $5,444,693— down slightly from January 2019.

Sales tax collection numbers are gathered by the Lafayette Parish School System.

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