Retail Sales Surge Higher in October

Washington, DC, Nov. 15, 2010 -- Retail sales increased in October by the largest amount in seven months, thanks to the strength of the auto sector.

The Commerce Department reported Monday that retail sales rose 1.2% last month. That was nearly double the gain that had been expected and the largest increase since March.

However, excluding auto sales retail sales rose 0.4%.

Outside of autos, sales at general merchandise stores rose 0.2% in September after a slight 0.1% rise in September. 

Sales at furniture stores and electronics stores both posted 0.7% drops.