Retail sales rose for the fourth consecutive month, edging up 0.2% to $45.2 billion in November. Higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers were the main contributors to the gain. Sales were up in 5 of 11 subsectors, representing 45% of total retail trade. After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms increased 0.7%. Sales were up for the third consecutive month at motor vehicle and parts dealers (+0.8%) in November. Higher sales at new car dealers (+1.9%) accounted for most of the gain at the subsector level. Sales at ... (full story)