Retail sales rose 1.1% to $53.9 billion in September—the fifth consecutive monthly increase since the record decline in April. Core retail sales—which excludes gasoline stations and motor vehicle and parts dealers—also rose 1.1%, on higher sales at general merchandise stores and food and beverage stores. Retail sales were up in 9 of 11 subsectors, representing 93.2% of retail trade. In volume terms, sales were up 1.1% in September. Rounding out the third quarter, retail sales were up 22.6% compared with the second quarter. In volume terms, retail sales rose 21.5%. Given the rapidly evolving economic situation, ... (full story)