September Retail Sales Rise More Than Expected

Washington, DC, Oct. 15, 2010--U.S. retail sales rose more than forecast in September.

Sales rose 0.6% following a 0.7% gain in August that was larger than previously estimated, according to Commerce Department data.

Retail sales were projected to rise 0.4% after a 0.4% gain previously reported for August.

Retail sales advanced broadly, with clothing stores the only major category to show a decline in demand last month.

The National Retail Federation is forecasting holiday sales will be the best in four years and companies are planning on stepping up hiring as a result.