Totaling $355.8 billion, retail sales in January increased 0.5 percent from the previous month and 4.7 percent from January 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC).

Sales for the month at general merchandise stores rose 1.5 percent, the most substantial gain since February 2009.

Core retail sales, which exclude autos, gasoline and building materials, rose 0.8 percent after falling 0.3 percent in December.

In addition, both December and November figures were adjusted to reveal stronger sales than previously reported. The DoC says sales in December were down 0.1 percent, compared with the 0.3 percent early estimate and November’s numbers were revised to be up two percent instead of a 1.8 percent increase.

Source: Candy & Snack