(IDEX Online News) – April retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) in the United States increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from last month and increased 3.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation.

 

Consumers drew confidence from improving employment figures, rising housing prices and record stock market levels, the NRF said.

 

“In the face of higher taxes and sequester, consumers provided the economy a bit of a reprieve this month,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Despite colder spring weather and an early Easter, consumers shopped in April, demonstrating an inherent resiliency even as the economy faces serious headwinds, including stagnant job and wage growth.”

 

U.S. Department of Commerce April retail sales showed total retail and food services sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as automobiles, gasoline stations, and restaurants) increased 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and increased 3.7 percent adjusted year-over-year.

 

“Today’s retail sales data is encouraging news,” said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinherz. “However positive, retail sales and consumer spending in April may not necessarily translate into a stronger or healthier second quarter. NRF continues to forecast moderate sales growth for the year.”