Retail sales in the U.S. rose more than forecast in September, easing concern slumping confidence and scant hiring will derail the biggest part of the economy. The 1.1 percent advance, the biggest since February, followed a 0.3 percent gain for August, a stronger performance than previously estimated, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. The median forecast of 85 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News called for a 0.7 percent rise in purchases last month. Macy’s Inc. (M) and Kohl’s Corp. (KSS) are among retailers planning to boost hiring heading into the year-end holidays, even as gains in payrolls ... (full story)