According to the National Retail Federation (Washington, D.C.), September retail sales rose 0.5 percent from August (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants). Still, the numbers were down 1.5 percent compared to last year.
“Retail is not out of the woods yet, but consumers felt comfortable enough last month to spend on more than just necessities,” says Rosalind Wells, NRF’s chief economist. “As we head into the essential fourth quarter, retailers will likely continue aggressive promotions and discounts to bring people back into stores.”
The numbers, released by the U.S. Commerce Department, indicate total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) decreased 1.5 percent seasonally adjusted from the previous month and were down 5.4 percent compared to last year.
Among retail sectors, the NRF attributes cooler weather, Labor Day sales and a final push for back-to-school shopping to driving sales at clothing and accessories stores sales up 0.5 percent for the month. Sales at electronics and appliance store sales were flat from the previous month, while health and personal care store sales grew 0.8 percent. In the sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores categories, sales were up 0.1 percent for the month.