U.S. Retail Sales Beat November Forecasts

Retail sales rose for a fifth consecutive month in November, indicating a strong start to the holiday shopping season. The Commerce Department announced retail sales increased 0.8 percent in November, more than was forecast, reports The New York Times. In October, sales grew 1.7 percent, fueled by an increase in auto sales. For November, auto sales retreated some but excluding autos, sales rose 1.2 percent, the largest increase since March.

Among retail sectors, department store sales grew 2.8 percent; specialty clothing stores sales rose 2.7 percent; and sales at general merchandise stores was up 1.3 percent.

Not everyone saw sales grow, however. In November, sales were down at furniture stores, appliance stores and hardware stores.