Retail Sales Up In February

Washington, DC, March 13, 2013--The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for February were $421.4 billion, an increase of 1.1% from the previous month and 4.6% above February 2012.

Total sales for the December 2012 through February 2013 period were up 4.5% from the same period a year ago.

The December 2012 to January 2013 percent change was revised from +0.1% to +0.2%.

Retail trade sales were up 1.3% from January 2013 and 4.7% above last year.

Nonstore retailers were up 15.7% from February 2012 and auto and other motor vehicle dealers were up 8.8% from last year.