Retail sales continue to slide, dropping 7.2% in September over the same month last year.

Total taxable retail sales in September were $1.51 billion, down from $1.63 billion in September 2008, according to the Maine State Planning Office. Year-to-date retail sales as of September are down 8.3% over last year. Building supplies continued to suffer the most, dropping 17.4% compared with September 2008. Auto and transportation fell 10.5%, a contrast to August, when sales in that category were up 8%. One bright spot: Lodging sales were up 3% in September compared with September 2008; however, year-to-date sales still remain 8% below last year.

Retail sales in August dipped 6% from August 2008.