Sageworks, a company that develops financial analysis tools for accounting firms and banks, has identified seven U.S. sectors experiencing above-average sales. o Vehicle maintenance. Auto-repair shops increased sales an average of 2.4 percent over the past 12 months. In contrast, car dealers saw sales drop 9.7 percent in the same period. o Home remodeling. Sales rose 4.6 percent in the past year for contractors such as electricians, plumbers and heating specialists. On the flip side, homebuilders saw sales fall at least 5 percent in the same period. o Food stores. Grocery stores' average sales increased 6.7 percent in the past year, while sit-down restaurants saw sales fall 3.9 percent. o Specialty schools. In 24 months, technical and trade schools had top-line revenue growth of 7.8 percent, up from 5.9 percent in 2007. o Dentists. The average dental office saw sales increase 7 percent in the past year, up from 5 percent in 2007. o Certified public accountants. Average revenue at accounting firms grew 10.2 percent in the past year, making the accounting industry among the top 20 sectors in the country by sales growth. o Personal care services. Skincare specialists, nail salons, barber shops and hair salons saw average sales grow 4.5 percent in the past year.
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