SEATTLE – Retail sales in Washington state fell in the second quarter of 2008 compared to last year, but the state is putting a positive spin on it, saying sales are still up from 2006.

The state revenue department says taxable retail sales dropped 2.4 percent to $29.1 billion in the second quarter this year. Still, that’s 5.4 percent higher than the $27.6 billion reported at the same time two years ago.

Retail trade, which the state says is a better measure of consumer purchases, fell 3.5 percent to $12.4 billion.

Travel destinations appeared to take the brunt of the downturn. The state says San Juan saw a 15.6 percent drop in retail trade and Island county retail trade fell 13.7. Skagit county retail sales dropped 10.9 percent.

Things look better in parts of Eastern Washington. Ferry, Garfield and Lincoln counties saw retail trade jump double digits.

Sales of big ticket items like RV’s, boats and motorcycles fell 21.7 percent. A clear indication of that came Thursday when boat maker Brunswick announced it was speeding up plans to close four plants, including two in Arlington, Wash. and Roseburg, Ore, by the end of the year. Combined, the shutdown of all four plants will force 1,450 people out of work.

Auto dealers in Washington saw sales fall 13.2 percent, home furnishing sales fell 9.9 percent, but electronics and appliances are still all the rage with sales up 6.26 percent.