Solid sales at clothing and electronics stores fueled retail sales growth in September, the National Retail Federation (NRF, Washington, D.C.) reports. September retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) were up 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted from August, and 2.1 percent unadjusted year-over-year. “Robust back-to-school spending combined with a series of new, technology-led product launches certainly helped retailers in September,” says NRF president and ceo Matthew Shay.
September retail sales, released by the U.S. Department of Commerce, showed total retail and food services sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants) grew 1.1 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 5.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Among retail sectors, the Commerce Department reports sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores increased 0.6 percent; electronics and appliance stores’ sales were up 4.5 percent; furniture and home furnishing sales grew 0.4 percent; and general merchandise stores’ sales were up 0.3 percent. Health, personal care, sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores also reported sales growth.