Retail Sales Rise in February

Retail sales also increased 4.4 percent on a three-month moving average.

NORTH AMERICA–February retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants)increased 0.3 percent seasonally adjusted over January and 3.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation.

On a three-month moving average, retail sales have grown 4.4 percent compared to the same period last year. NRF’s numbers are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which reported that overall February sales–including automobiles, gasoline and restaurants–were down 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted from January but up 4 percent year-over-year.

“Consumers are still in the driver’s seat,” says Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist, NRF. “Month-to-month comparisons don’t tell the whole story because of seasonal adjustment factors, but the three-month moving average and other year-over-year numbers are better indicators that reflect how sales are really increasing. It’s still too early to draw conclusions about the impact of tax cuts but extra money in shoppers’ pockets should help as the year goes forward. With consumer confidence and employment growing, economic fundamentals are favorable for spending to expand in the coming months.”

Other highlights from the NRF’s report include: