Retail sales increased 1.0% to $70.4 billion in August. Sales were up in six of nine subsectors and were led by increases at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were up 1.1% in August. In volume terms, retail sales increased 1.0% in August. The largest increase in retail sales in August was observed at motor vehicle and parts dealers (+1.8%), up for a third consecutive month. The increase was led by higher sales at new car dealers (+2.3%) and, to a lesser extent, used car dealers (+1.5%). Sales at gasoline stations and ... (full story)