Retail sales increased 1.1% to $70.7 billion in January. Sales were up in six of nine subsectors, 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 0.9% in January. In volume terms, retail sales were up 1.0% in January. Following a decline of 1.6% in December, motor vehicle and parts dealers (+2.0%) recorded the largest increase in retail sales in January. Higher sales at new car dealers (+2.5%) led the increase in the subsector, followed by other motor vehicle dealers (+5.6%). In January, the largest ... (full story)