November sales rise 5.1%

Black Friday and other holiday promotions too good to pass up as November sales show strength in consumer spending. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for November (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) rose 5.1% unadjusted over last year and 1.2% seasonally adjusted from October. November retail sales released by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 1.2% seasonally adjusted from last month and 6.9% unadjusted year-over-year.

The strongest growth was seen by sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores where unadjusted sales grew 11.3% year-over-year and 2.2% seasonally adjusted from October.

November retail sales also grew in many other areas. Eager consumers lined sidewalks at many retail establishments over Black Friday weekend to get their hands on discounted electronics and apparel items. Electronics stores sales grew 6.1% unadjusted from last year and 2.5% seasonally adjusted month-to-month; clothing and clothing accessories stores sales rose a very strong 8.2% unadjusted year-over-year and 2.6% from last month.

Furniture and home furnishing stores sales also benefitted from consumers stocking up on holiday items. Sales in those stores rose 2.5% unadjusted year-over-year and 1.0% seasonally adjusted month-to-month.