A shopper passes a ”Sale” sign at Quincy Market in downtown in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. January 11, 2017. (Photo: Reuters)
The U.S. Census Bureau said U.S. retail sales increased by a solid 0.6% in March to $494.6 billion, more than the 0.4% median forecast. With the gain, retails sales are now 4.5% (±0.5%) above March 2017.
Total sales for the January 2018 through March 2018 period were up 4.1 percent (±0.5 percent) from the same period a year ago. The January 2018 to February 2018 percent change was unrevised from down 0.1% (±0.2%).
Retail trade sales were up 0.6 percent (±0.5 percent) from February 2018, and 4.7% (±0.5%) above last year. Gasoline Stations were up 9.7% (±1.6%) from March 2017, while Nonstore Retailers were up 9.7% (±1.4%) from last year
