Minorities Buy Big in 2011

(BOISE) – Idaho’s racial minorities are boosting their purchasing power. State officials say Hispanics in the Gem State grew their buying power by more than 11 percent last year, accounting for nearly $3.2 billion in spending statewide. Other minorities including Idaho’s black, Asian, American Indian, and native Alaskan populations spent as much as 7 percent more on food, clothing, and housing than they did in 2010.