July Retail Sales Higher Than Expected

Washington, DC, Aug. 14, 2012 -- Retail sales in the U.S. rose more than expected in July, according to Commerce Department figures.

The 0.8% increase was the largest since February and the first gain in four months, well ahead of economists' predictions of a 0.3% increase.

June sales grew 0.7%.

Sales rose in all 13 categories for the first time since 2005.