Retail Sales Rise as Online Shopping Grows

Washington, DC, Dec. 12, 2013 -- Retail sales rose 0.7% in November, the biggest gain in five months, according to the Commerce Department.

October's figure was also revised higher to 0.6%.

The report also shows that consumers purchased more online last month, and less at traditional stores.

Auto sales rose 1.8%, furniture sales increased 1.2% and sales at electronics and appliances stores rose 1.1%.

Online and catalog sales rose 2.2% last month, the most in nearly 18 months.