Retail Sales Up 0.2% in October

Washington, DC, November 14, 2007--Retail sales increased 0.2% in October, following a revised 0.7% gain in September, according to the Commerce Department. Sales excluding automobiles rose 0.2%.

Economists were anticipating an increase of 0.1% in total sales and a 0.2% increase in sales excluding autos.

The increase in sales was boosted by a 0.8% increase in purchases at service stations reflected higher gasoline prices. Excluding gas, retail sales were up 0.1%, the smallest increase in four months.

In October sales at furniture stores dropped 0.9% after falling 1.3% in September. Purchases of sporting goods fell 0.4% and sales at department stores decreased 0.5%. Non-store retailer sales, such as internet merchants, saw a 1% decline.

Auto dealers, grocery stores, restaurants and building- material merchants were among those that saw an increase in sales.