WASHINGTON - Retail sales increased by a seasonally adjusted 1.0% in February, the largest gain in four months, as shoppers scooped up autos and merchandise goods, the Commerce Department reported Friday.
Sales excluding autos increased 0.7% for the month and sales excluding autos and gasoline purchases, a less volatile figure, rose 0.6%.
Sales of motor vehicles and parts continued to strengthen, gaining 2.3% in February. This followed a 1.2% increase in January and a 2.3% rise in December.
January retail sales were revised higher to a 0.7% gain from the 0.3% increase reported last month. Sales excluding autos were also revised higher last month to a 0.6% gain from the 0.3% climb initially reported.
Economists expected retail sales would increase 1.0% in February and sales excluding autos would increase 0.6%, according to the median estimate from Thomson Reuters.
General merchandise stores posted a 0.7% increase in sales, matching a 0.7% gain in January. Department store sales increased 1.0%.
Retail sales excluding autos, gasoline and building material purchases increased 0.6% for the month, following a 0.7% rise in January.
Total retail sales have increased for eight straight months. Sales increased 8.9% from February a year ago.
