Home · Business · Sep 16 archive

US Retail Sales Rise 1.2% in August, Exceeding Expectations

Confirmed

Business Desk

In Short: US retail sales increased by 1.2% in August, surpassing expectations, according to Commerce Department data.

Airman exceeds expectations in Afghanistan 141022-F-LX971-068
Photo: Master Sgt. Cohen Young / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

US retail sales rebounded at a better-than-expected 1.2% increase last month, following a revised 0.5% dip in July, according to Commerce Department data released Wednesday. Much of the strength in retail last month reflected a bounce back in nonstore sales, which had declined sharply in July, economists noted.

Rising gas prices also contributed to the increase in gasoline station sales, according to a Commerce Department official. The so-called control group, which excludes food services, autos, building materials, and gas station sales, rose by a strong 1.4% last month from the prior month.

Economists attribute much of the retail sales growth to a recovery in nonstore sales, which had experienced a significant decline in the previous month. This suggests a broader improvement in consumer spending habits.

What's confirmed

What's still developing

Sources