NRF: Retail Sales Beat Expectations

February retail sales rose 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from January and decreased 5.0 percent unadjusted over last year, beating analysts’ expectations. Retail industry sales for January were revised up from 0.5 percent growth to 1.4 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month, according to the National Retail Federation

February retail sales released Thursday by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) decreased 12.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year and 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month.

“While we are seeing some growth in consumer spending, it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue,” cautioned Rosalind Wells, NRF Chief Economist. “Given the state of the economy, NRF is still expecting year-over-year sales declines through the first half of the year with a slight turnaround at the end of 2009.” 

While year-over-year comparisons look grim, month-to-month sales growth was a nice surprise for retailers. Sales at furniture and home furnishing stores grew 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted from January but decreased 14.8 percent unadjusted over last year. Electronics and appliance stores sales increased 1.2 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month but decreased 4.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Clothing and clothing accessory stores sales rose a solid 2.8 percent seasonally adjusted from last month but decreased 6.5 percent unadjusted from 2008.

Sales at sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores also increased 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month but decreased 4.8 percent unadjusted over last year.