Taxable sales in Washoe County in December were up 6.1 percent over the same month a year earlier.
Sales in Carson City were up 5.5 percent, the Nevada Department of Taxation reported. Douglas County was up 8.8 percent.
Vehicle sales in Washoe County were up more than 33 percent from December 2010, and automotive-related sales in Carson City were up by 11 percent.
Among other retail categories, general merchandise stores in Washoe County posted a 16.1 percent sales increase, clothing stores were up nearly 24 percent and electronics and appliance stores were down 10 percent.