The real-estate bust triggered a skid in construction and related industries. Population growth has slowed. Taxable retail sales fell 6 percent in September compared with a year earlier, according to the Arizona Department of Revenue. ... Ahwatukee retirees Barbara Lupia and Isabel Mackenzie said they believe stores that are closing probably should be out of business. "I think we are definitely over-retailed,"Lupia said. Mackenzie said, "There are still plenty of stores ...
