Retail sales were up 3.6% to $57.6 billion in March, led by higher sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers, and clothing and clothing accessories stores. Sales at food and beverage stores declined. Sales increased in 10 of 11 subsectors, representing 79.1% of retail trade. Core retail sales—which exclude sales at gasoline stations, and motor vehicle and parts dealers—rose 4.7%. In volume terms, retail sales increased 3.2% in March. Retail sales were up 1.8% in the first quarter—the third consecutive quarterly increase. In volume terms, quarterly sales were up 0.5%. Amid the ongoing ... (full story)