WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumers spent more in March on furniture, electronics and at restaurants, but also paid more for gas.
Retail sales increased 0.4% last month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. It was the ninth consecutive monthly gain.
The increase shrank to a 0.1% when sales at gasoline stations were excluded. Still, the biggest decline in auto sales in more than a year also pulled down overall sales. When taking out sales at gas station and of autos, retail sales rose 0.6%.
Many analysts considered that a solid gain, given the jump in gas prices and the fact that Easter is coming later this year. They also noted that sales in the previous two months were revised up to show slightly better gains.
Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, said the new report was "pretty decent … considering all of the headwinds the consumer is facing."
Businesses are stocking up based on the increased demand. A separate Commerce report said companies added to their stockpiles in February for a 14th straight month. And their sales increased for an eighth consecutive month. Healthy gains in sales and inventory restocking typically lead to more demand for U.S. factory goods.
