April Retail Sales Show Biggest Increase in Six Months
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department said today retail sales in April rose 1.2 percent, the biggest increase in six months, The Associated Press reports.
The April report came as good news following March's report, which found retail sales nudged up by 0.1 percent.
Higher prices at the pump for gasoline contributed to the increase in overall retail sales in April, according to the Commerce Department.
However, excluding sales at gasoline stations and at car dealerships, retail sales still rose a solid 1 percent.
The 1.2 percent increase in retail sales last month was the biggest gain since a record 6.2 percent in October.
The April report came as good news following March's report, which found retail sales nudged up by 0.1 percent.
Higher prices at the pump for gasoline contributed to the increase in overall retail sales in April, according to the Commerce Department.
However, excluding sales at gasoline stations and at car dealerships, retail sales still rose a solid 1 percent.
The 1.2 percent increase in retail sales last month was the biggest gain since a record 6.2 percent in October.