Retail Sales Fall Less Than Expected in September

Washington, DC, Oct. 14, 2009--U.S. retail sale fell 1.5% in September, hurt by a slump in motor vehicle purchases as government-sponsored incentives ended, but the decline was less than expected, according to the Labor Department.

Excluding the 10.4% decline in auto sales, sales rose 0.5% in September after a 1% gain in August.

September sales were higher in most sectors, other than autos. Furniture sales saw the biggest increase in more than two years.

Gasoline sales rose 1.1%, somewhat of a surprise considering gas prices were relatively flat. Excluding autos and gasoline, sales rose 0.4%.