NRF: Consumers spent on essentials in January

January retail sales demonstrated that consumers last month were focused on buying necessities more than discretionary items. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for January (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) rose 2.0% unadjusted over last year and 0.1% seasonally adjusted from December.

January retail sales released by the Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 0.3% seasonally adjusted from last month and 4.6% unadjusted year-over-year. 

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