There were $449.9 billion of retail and food service sales in January (after adjustment for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes), up 0.2 percent from December, and 3.4 percent above January 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Core retail sales – excluding automobiles and parts – increased 0.1 percent last month, consistent with December. Year-over-year sales excluding automobiles and parts increased 2.5 percent. Retail trade sales were up 0.3 percent on the month, and 3.1 percent on the year.
Sales at gasoline stations declined 3.1 percent from the previous month and 8.1 percent from the previous year. Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers increased 0.6 percent from December and 6.9 percent from January 2015.
Read the Census release.