Lewiston-Auburn saw $638.8 million in consumer retail sales through September of this year, a drop of 3.2 percent from last year. A peek at how other retail centers around the state are doing:

Augusta

Consumer retail sales, January-September 2007: $663 million

Same period, 2008: $663 million (no change)

2008 in a word: Steady.

Augusta Crossing opened before Thanksgiving last year. The Marketplace and Turnpike Mall are full, for now. Marketplace, near Wal-Mart, has been approved for one more major phase, but don’t expect to see ground break for years, says Economic and Community Development Director Mike Duguay.

Instead, he anticipates more “fill-in” retail: Tim Hortons, medical services, convenience stores.

A new hotel is in front of the Planning Board, bound for Western Avenue.

“Within 36 months we’re going to figure out what’s going to be left standing,” Duguay said. … You are hearing about major malls losing anchor tenants and it’s just taking other stores out at the knees.”

He’s glad that isn’t Augusta.

Portland/South Portland

Consumer retail sales, January-September 2007: $1.61 billion

Same period, 2008: $1.57 billion (-2.9 percent)

2008 in a word: Hopeful.

Even with a parent company that may file for bankruptcy, Erik Carson said it appears the new $7 million strip across from the Maine Mall is still a go.

Carson, South Portland’s assistant city manager, said General Growth Properties’ project near the former cinema and Pizza Hut awaits state permits. He believes ground will break in the spring but wasn’t sure of reports that Barnes and Noble would anchor.

“This had legs long before (economic) issues have come up,” he said.

He’s waiting to see whether GGP files for bankruptcy, and if it does, what that could mean for the Maine Mall. The biggest mall in the state always has a few vacancies, but right now “there’s maybe a few more,” Carson said.

“This is apparently a very successful mall for them.”

Brunswick/Topsham

Consumer retail sales, January-September 2007: $480.5 million

Same period, 2008: $466.7 million (-2.9 percent)

2008 in a word: Encouraging.

“These last few months, when things have been looking their worst, we’re still attracting interest,” said John Shattuck, Topsham’s economic and community development director.

The Topsham Fair Mall area is close to full (only two spots left). Other parcels near I-295 still have potential. Prospects for a nearby business park will be clearer next year.

What about that Olive Garden announced two years ago?

“It hasn’t happened yet. We say it’s resting,” Shattuck said.

The restaurant hasn’t formally withdrawn plans but hasn’t been active, either. He understands the cautious approach, given the economy and Brunswick Naval Air Station’s impending closure.

Bangor

Consumer retail sales, January-September 2007: $1.05 billion

Same period, 2008: $1.06 billion (+1.8 percent)

2008 in a word: Wow.

Construction just wrapped on a new Marriott Courtyard. A Hilton Garden Inn is under way. Wal-Mart is building a supercenter (Lowe’s will take its old site). The Home Depot upgraded to new digs. Shaw’s is looking to do the same. Everyone wants to be closer to the Bangor Mall.

“Three big boxes all got bigger, all within the last year,” said city development chief Rodney McKay.

An expanded Hollywood Slots has been a draw. The exchange rate has enticed Canadian shoppers.

“I’m always amazed at the number of tour buses parked at the mall,” McKay said.

The area has averaged 200,000 square feet of new retail space per year. 2008 saw double that, a pace he doubts Bangor can sustain.