Sales stronger than expected in March

Washington, D.C. Surging past expectations, retail sales continued to show signs of improvement as consumers hit the stores for seasonal home goods, furniture and apparel during the month of March. According to the National Retail Federation, March retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased 0.9% seasonally adjusted over February and 5.7% unadjusted year-over-year.

March retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 1.6% seasonally adjusted over February and 10.0% unadjusted year-over-year.

“It’s evident consumers were feeling much better about the economy and their finances last month,” said Rosalind Wells, chief economist for NRF. “Pent-up demand combined with an early Easter and warm spring weather significantly boosted consumers’ moods and retail sales.”

Stores that sell apparel, home goods, outdoor equipment and furniture saw the biggest increases. Clothing and clothing accessory stores sales increased 2.3% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 9.9% unadjusted year-over-year. Building material, garden equipment and supplies sales increased 3.1% seasonally adjusted over February and 3.3% unadjusted from last year. Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores increased 1.5% seasonally adjusted from last month and 6.5% unadjusted year-over-year.

Sporting goods, hobby book and music stores sales were also solid with seasonally adjusted sales increasing 1.0% month-to-month and 9.0% unadjusted year-over-year.