- Cochise County retail sales weakened in April 2026 after adjusting for inflation, with countywide retail activity down 18.0% from April 2025. That decline was steeper than the 8.6% decrease statewide. Through the first four months of the year, retail sales in Cochise County were down 4.9%, compared with a 2.2% decline across Arizona.
- The difference between current-dollar sales and inflation-adjusted sales shows the continued effect of higher prices. Cochise County retail sales fell 14.2% before adjusting for inflation in April, but the decrease widened to 18.0% in real terms. Year to date, retail sales were down 2.0% in current dollars and 4.9% after adjusting for inflation.
- Remote seller activity remained a stronger part of the report. Inflation-adjusted sales by remote sellers rose 7.8% in Cochise County in April and 12.8% year to date. Arizona also posted gains in this category, with remote seller sales up 9.2% for the month and 12.3% through April. This continued growth suggests online sales remain an important part of overall consumer spending.
- Restaurants and bars performed better than retail, though gains were modest. Countywide restaurant and bar sales increased 0.4% in April after adjusting for inflation and were up 0.7% year to date. Hotel and motel sales were nearly unchanged for the month, slipping 0.1%, and were down 3.5% through April. Statewide, lodging sales declined 1.5% in April but remained 4.3% higher year to date.
- City-level results showed substantial variation across Cochise County.
- Benson posted declines across retail, restaurants, and lodging. Inflation-adjusted retail sales were down 14.6% in April and 6.3% year to date. Restaurant and bar sales fell 28.5% for the month and 15.1% through April, while hotel and motel sales declined 3.5% in April and 19.2% year to date.
- Bisbee had weaker retail sales but stronger visitor-related activity. Retail sales fell 24.8% in April and 11.8% year to date after adjusting for inflation. Restaurant and bar sales rose 2.9% in April and 8.1% through April, while hotel and motel sales increased 5.3% for the month and 8.4% year to date.
- Douglas showed mixed results. Retail sales declined 13.3% in April after adjusting for inflation but remained 4.0% higher year to date. Restaurant and bar sales increased sharply, rising 37.5% in April and 10.3% through the first four months of the year.
- Huachuca City’s reported retail sales were down 25.6% in April and 13.7% year to date after adjusting for inflation.
- Sierra Vista also recorded weaker retail sales, with inflation-adjusted sales down 16.3% in April and 5.5% year to date. Restaurant and bar sales were stronger, increasing 4.6% for the month and 2.1% through April. Hotel and motel sales declined 10.8% in April and 11.6% year to date.
- Tombstone recorded declines in all three major categories. Retail sales fell 31.1% in April and 6.4% year to date after adjusting for inflation. Restaurant and bar sales were down 7.6% for the month and 2.7% through April, while hotel and motel sales declined 11.5% in April and 4.2% year to date.
- Willcox had a more varied pattern. Retail sales fell 16.9% in April after adjusting for inflation but were 5.0% higher year to date. Restaurant and bar sales rose 6.9% in April but were down 6.3% through April. Hotel and motel sales increased 31.0% for the month, though they remained 11.9% lower year to date.
- Overall, the April data show Cochise County’s economy moving unevenly across sectors and communities. Retail was the weakest major category, while restaurants posted slight gains countywide and lodging softened overall. The city-level results add important context, showing that some communities experienced broad declines while others posted gains in restaurants, lodging, or year-to-date retail activity.
See spreadsheets, below, for monthly and annual Cochise County, city, and town major industry sales data (retail, restaurant/bar, and hotel/motel/lodging).