Retail Sales Up Fourth Straight Month

Washington, DC, Aug. 13, 2013 -- Retail sales rose in July for a fourth straight month, according to the Commerce Department.

The 0.2% increase followed a 0.6% gain in June that was revised higher than initial estimates.

Nine of 13 categories reported increases last month.

However, the report showed weakness in housing-related categories as sales fell at furniture, appliance and building material stores.