Nevada retail projected to expand 5.2% this year

Nevada retail sales are expected to increase 5.2 percent in 2013.

The Retail Association of Nevada is forecasting the increase because economic indicators affecting retail sales are showing "significant improvement."

State unemployment, for example, fell to 10.2 percent by the end of 2012, the lowest in four years. Visitor spending, too, is increasing and total taxable sales increased 6.4 percent for the state compared to last year.

"Consumers are seeing these positive signs and increasing their willingness to spend as a result," association President Mary Lau said in a statement.