Retail sales increased 0.7% to $72.1 billion in February. Sales were up in seven 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 0.6% in February. In volume terms, retail sales increased 0.3% in February. The largest increase in retail sales in February was observed at motor vehicle and parts dealers (+1.0%), rising for a second consecutive month. The increase was led by higher sales at new car dealers (+0.7%), followed by used car dealers (+4.0%). Sales at gasoline stations and ... (full story)