There were $448.1 billion of retail and food service sales in November (after adjustment for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes), a monthly increase of 0.2 percent according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Retail sales increased 1.4 percent from November 2014.
Core retail sales – excluding automobile and parts grew 0.4 percent after a 0.1 percent gain in October. Year-over-year sales excluding automobiles and parts increased 0.7 percent.
Retail trade sales grew 0.2 percent on the month and 0.7 percent on the year, as nonstore retail sales along with sales at food service and drinking places increased 7.3 percent and 6.5 percent respectively over the last 12 months.
Clothing and sporting goods stores posted the strongest monthly gains, with sales improving 0.8 percent on the month. Sales at gasoline stations continued to decline, falling 0.8 percent on the month. Gas station sales have fallen 19.9 percent over the last 12 months.
Read the Census release.
