With consumers showing spending power beyond the holiday season, January marked the seventh straight month of retail sales gains.  According to the Commerce Department, retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) for January increased 0.2% seasonally adjusted from December and 3.5% unadjusted year-over-year.


“In spite of the economic uncertainties that still exist, consumers are clearly demonstrating their desire to spend on discretionary items once again,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “The industry is certainly benefitting from the renewed confidence we’re seeing in shoppers, although sustained growth in 2011 will largely rely on improvement in key economic indicators like employment and housing.”
Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores sales decreased 1.3% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and increased 0.4% unadjusted year-over-year.