February Retail Sales Rise 7.2% Over 2005, But Drop 0.4% from January

February U.S. retail sales rose 7.2 percent over February 2005, but fell 0.4 percent from January, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). January sales, however, were so strong that they were revised upward to 8.4 percent above the previous year and 2.8 percent seasonally adjusted from December.

Cold weather is blamed for the chill in apparel sales in February. Sales at clothing and clothing accessory stores, which include jewelry stores, were up only 0.9 percent unadjusted over last year.

“Given the unexpected strength in sales for January, it is not a surprise to see some month-to-month weakness in sales,” said NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells. “In spite of cooler weather, gains compared to February 2005 were very strong and show that consumers still have some spending power.”

The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association, with membership that comprises all retail formats and channels of distribution including department, specialty, discount, catalog, Internet, independent stores, chain restaurants, drug stores and grocery stores as well as the industry's key trading partners of retail goods and services.