Retail Sales Edge Higher in June

Washington, DC, July 14, 2011 -- Retail sales unexpectedly ticked up in June as sales by auto dealers offset the biggest decline in gasoline sales in a year, the Commerce Department data showed.

Total retail sales rose 0.1%, the Commerce Department said, after a dipping 0.1% in May. Economists had forecast sales slipping 0.1%.

Sales excluding gasoline rebounded 0.3% after declining 0.2% in May.