Retail Sales Rise Defying Expectations

Washington, DC, February 13, 2008 -- Retail sales rose by 0.3 percent in January, surprising analysts who had forecast a decline.

Sales had fallen by 0.4 percent in December as retailers had their worst Christmas shopping season in five years. The January increase was led by heavy demand for new cars and higher gasoline sales.

Auto sales increased by 0.6 percent in January, the best showing since a 0.7 percent rise in September.

Excluding gasoline, retail sales rose 0.1 percent in January.

Clothing stores saw an increase of 1.4 percent but general merchandise stores had an increase of 0.1 percent.

Sales fell at furniture stores, electronics stores, hardware stores and sporting goods stores.