WASHINGTON - Retail sales increased 0.5% in July, in line with economists' expectations, as sales excluding autos were stronger than expected, the Commerce Department reported Friday.
Sales excluding motor vehicles and parts increased 0.5% for the month. Total June retail sales were revised higher to a 0.3% increase from the 0.1% rise reported last month. June sales excluding autos were also revised higher to a 0.2% increase from the originally reported unchanged level.
Economists expected retail sales to increase 0.5% and for sales excluding autos to gain 0.2%, according to the median estimate from Thomson Reuters.
Sales at sporting good stores and other hobby retailers fell 1.5%, the largest drop since November 2009. General merchandise store sales were flat for the month.
Online and mail-order purchases rose 0.9%, the largest increase in three months.
Retail sales excluding autos and gas increased 0.3%. Sales excluding autos, gas and building materials gained 0.4% for the month.
