Retail Sales Edge Higher in January

Washington, DC, Feb. 13, 2013 -- Retail sales edged higher in January, held back as payroll tax increases and higher gasoline prices limited spending, according to the Commerce Department.

The government said retail sales rose 0.1% after an unrevised 0.5% rise in December.

The was in line with economist's expectations.

So-called core sales, which strip out automobiles, gasoline and building materials, increased 0.1% after gaining 0.7% in December.