Retail sales see small increase for September

WASHINGTON — Retail sales edged up slightly during the month of October, the U.S. Census Bureau announced Tuesday.

Adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, sales totaled $397.7 billion. Retail trade sales rose 0.6% above September and 7.3% above the year-ago period.

Adjusted grocery store sales increased to $46.8 million from $46.3 million in September, while health and personal care stores saw adjusted sales of $23.3 million from $23.1 million last month.

Although advanced estimates for pharmacies and drug stores are not included in the report, the Census Bureau disclosed that adjusted sales slightly decreased from August to September, dropping from about $19.3 million to $19.2 million.

Commenting on the results, the National Retail Federation said that it not only marks the 16th straight month retail sales rose, but it also indicates that consumers are prepared to spend this holiday season.

“Retailers’ early holiday promotions seemed to strike the right chord with shoppers last month,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Knowing the economy is still a big factor in customers’ shopping decisions, retailers will continue to offer great deals and exceptional value throughout the holiday season.”