Snowmass sales up 7 percent in November

Snowmass Village saw a 7 percent increase in sales in November, with increased business across all industries in the month that starts the resort’s ski season.

The town collected taxes on a total of $4.67 million in sales for the month, according to a report from the Finance Department. That increase means sales tax revenue for 2015 was pacing 7.6 percent ahead of the previous year through November.

The Finance Department’s report divides businesses into industry categories. It does not report on individual businesses.

The biggest chunk of sales tax revenue came from sports-equipment and clothing stores, which saw a 13.9 percent increase in sales, according to the report. That sector was followed closely by general retail stores, which experienced 62.2 percent higher sales.

In order of how much they contributed to the town’s sales tax revenue for the month, utilities collections were down 13.3 percent; food, drug and liquor-store sales rose 4.4 percent; restaurant sales rose 14.2 percent; and lodging revenue decreased by 28.1 percent.

That downturn occurred despite a slight increase in Snowmass Village’s occupancy for the month, which rose to 10.2 percent from 9 percent in November 2014. The Snowmass ski area opened for the season on Nov. 21, five days ahead of schedule.

Collections from the real estate transfer tax were down 35.6 percent, according to the report.