The company also reported a 39.1 percent rise in earnings.
The bank reported a 29 percent rise in profits, to $151.7 million.
About half the 260 stores reported a rise of more than 10 percent from 1998 to 1999, the organization said.
Yet the council's own data report a rise in numbers paying council tax.
The Government also said that major retailers reported a rise in sales of 7.1 percent from the period a year earlier.
Also late on Thursday, the company reported a 30 percent rise in profits for its first quarter.
It was the only large automaker to report a rise in sales last month, with an increase of 6.5 percent.
The company reported a 16 percent rise in quarterly net profit.
Other states, too, are reporting a quick rise in gun purchases.
Other cruise lines have reported a similar rise in family cruises.
