retail sales

Retail sales rose in January, but were dragged down by an unexpected decline in auto sales, according to government data released Tuesday.

Consumers kept hitting the stores in October despite economic headwinds and higher gas prices that took a bite out of their wallets.

Consumers held their shopping levels steady in August compared to the previous month, according to a government report released Wednesday.

Retail sales picked up the pace in July, boosted by auto purchases, gasoline station sales and a jump in purchases of electronics, according to a government report Friday.

Retail sales fell in May, dragged lower by slumping auto sales and marking the first decline in 11 months, the government said Thursday.

Retailers booked another strong month of sales in April, thanks to a rush of Easter shopping.

Retail sales were solidly higher in November, the government reported Tuesday, fueled in part by deep discounting on holiday merchandise.

Retail sales rose for a fourth straight month in October, the government reported Monday, signaling that consumers are keeping their wallets open as the holiday shopping period approaches.

Retail sales fell for the second straight month in June, following seven consecutive increases, with weakness in the automotive sector a key factor in the downturn, the government said Wednesday.

A new survey finds that consumer sentiment -- that's how optimistic we feel about the economy -- was up more than economists expected, near a 2.5 year high.

But the Commerce Department says retail sales fell a percent in May. What gives? Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.