Retail sales show resiliency in April

After several months of lackluster sales, retailers finally have a reason to cheer. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for April (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) rose 2.3% unadjusted over last year and 0.6% seasonally adjusted month-to-month.

April 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) decreased 0.2% seasonally adjusted from the previous month and increased 2.6% unadjusted year-over-year.

As consumers continue to stick to necessity-type purchases, sales in health and beauty care stores increased a solid 3.1% unadjusted year-over-year and 0.4% seasonally adjusted from last month.

Thanks to the onset of spring-like weather in much of the country, building material, garden equipment and supplies stores had slight sales increases for the first time in months. Sales increased 1.9% seasonally adjusted from March and 1.2% unadjusted year-over-year. Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores sales also saw healthy increases. Sales rose 4.7% unadjusted year-over-year and 0.4% seasonally adjusted from last month.

Electronics and appliance stores sales increased 5.1% unadjusted from last year and 1.4% seasonally adjusted from March.  Clothing and clothing accessories stores sales increased 0.7% seasonally adjusted from last month and 0.5% unadjusted year-over-year.

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