Retail sales in March were up 1.6%, the biggest jump in four months, according to the Commerce Department. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had forecast an increase of 1.3%.
According to the U.S. department of Commerce, March retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased 0.9% seasonally adjusted over February and 5.7% unadjusted year-over-year for the month of March. The better-than-expected results were helped by an early Easter and improved consumer spending.
Among different sectors, stores that sell apparel, home goods, outdoor equipment and furniture saw the biggest increases. Clothing and clothing accessory stores sales increased 2.3% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 9.9% unadjusted year-over-year. Sporting goods, hobby book and music stores sales increased inched up 1.0% month-to-month but jumped 9.0% unadjusted year-over-year.
