                                ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Tuesday, April 16, 1996                TAG: 9604160070
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: B-6  EDITION: METRO

ROANOKE REGIONAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Retail sales in the Roanoke area stayed well ahead of inflation last year, but the fourth quarter lagged behind inflation slightly. A report released this month by the Virginia Department of Taxation said 1995 sales totaled $2.37 billion, compared with $2.27 billion the prior year, up 4.3 percent. Inflation was 2.5 percent last year.

For the final quarter, including the important Christmas season, sales were $671.9 million, compared with $656.4 million in 1994, up 2.36 percent.

LENGTH: Short :   20 lines
ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC:  21 charts. color.

by CNB