September retail sales released by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.6 percent from August and 2.9 percent over last year.
"Consumer spending continues to be restrained in most areas," said Rosalind Wells, chief economist for the National Retail Federation. "Although sales across the board show modest increases, consumers are certainly spending more cautiously."
While some categories fared well, unusually warm weather didn't help clothing and accessories retailers, whose sales increased a meager 0.3 percent over last year and 0.4 percent from August.
Housing-market concerns affected both building material and garden equipment and furniture and home furnishings retailers. Sales in home furnishings stores dropped 0.6 percent from August and 3.6 percent over last year. Building materials stores sales increased 0.1 percent month-to-month and decreased 2.3 percent from last year.
For additional information, go to www.nrf.com.
