NRF: Retail sales rebound in February

Washington, D.C. – Lingering bad weather in much of the country did not keep consumers from shopping during February 2014. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), February 2014 retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.2% adjusted month-to-month and 2.3% unadjusted year-over-year.



February retail sales results released by the U.S. Census Bureau, which include categories such as automobiles, gasoline stations, and restaurants, increased 0.3% seasonally adjusted month-to-month ($472.2 billion). The Census also reported that retail sales increased 1.5% adjusted year-over-year.



Additional NRF findings from the February retail sales report include:



• Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers stores’ sales increased 0.3% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 3.2% unadjusted year-over-year.



• Clothing and clothing accessories stores' sales increased 0.4% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 2.4% unadjusted year-over-year.



• Electronics and appliance stores’ sales decreased 0.2% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 2.3% unadjusted year-over-year.



• Furniture and home furnishing stores’ sales increased 0.4% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and unchanged unadjusted year-over-year.



• General merchandise stores’ sales decreased 0.3% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and 0.9% unadjusted year-over-year.



• Health and personal care stores’ sales increased 1.2% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 5.6% unadjusted year-over-year.



• Nonstore retailers’ sales increased 1.2% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 6.8% unadjusted year-over-year.



• Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores’ sales increased 2.5% seasonally adjusted month-to-month yet decreased 5.3% unadjusted year-over-year.



“Today’s positive retail sales report indicates that the economy is primed for growth,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers and consumers endured the harsh winter and they’re hoping both the natural and man-made obstacles to growth will leave with the snow.”