Retail Sales Up 0.6% in September

Washington, DC, October 12, 2007—Retail sales rose 0.6% in September on strong demand for cars and gasoline, according to the Commerce Department.  Economists were anticipating a gain of only 0.2%.

Excluding motor vehicles and parts, retail sales rose 0.4%. Sales at gas station were up 2% during the month.

The average price of gasoline spiked in late September after crude oil prices hit a record high of almost $84 per barrel.

Excluding cars, parts and gasoline, retail sales rose 0.2%. Purchases of motor vehicles and parts, which make up about one-fifth of all sales, rose 1.2%

Sales at electronics and appliance stores rose 0.9% in September. Furniture sales dropped 0.6% and building materials sales were up 0.1%.