Wholesale sales rose 0.7% to $63.6 billion in November, a second consecutive increase. Sales were up in six of seven subsectors, representing 99% of wholesale sales. The food, beverage and tobacco subsector and the motor vehicle and parts subsector led the gains. In volume terms, wholesale sales increased 0.5%. The food, beverage and tobacco subsector posted the largest increase in dollar terms in November, rising 1.9% to $12.2 billion. Higher sales in the food industry, up 2.2% to $11.1 billion, contributed the most to the gain. This was the highest level on record for both the subsector and the industry. The motor ... (full story)