THE SECOND QUARTER TRI CITIES RETAIL SALES REPORT SHOWS THAT KINGSPORT EXPERIENCED THE LARGEST JUMP IN RETAIL ACTIVITY AMONG THE THREE LARGEST CITIES. THAT ACCORDING TO DR. STEB HIPPLE WITH THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AT EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY. RETAIL PERFORMANCE DECLINED AGAIN IN THE METRO AREA DURING THE APRIL TO JUNE PERIOD. RETAIL SALES IN KINGSPORT GREW 9.9 PERCENT TO 343 MILLION, SALES REVENUES WERE UP 4.5 PERCENT IN JOHNSON CITY TO 442 MILLION, WHILE BRISTOL SALES DECREASED 4.4 PERCENT TO 256 MILLION. THE RETAIL PICTURE WAS BLEAK AGAIN AT THE NATIONAL AND STATE LEVELS.