Year-over-year retail sales (minus motor vehicles and gasoline) rose by 4.4 percent in September, on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Nonstore sales (a category that comprises all online sales, including those processed by physical retailers, plus mail-order companies) climbed by 12.9 percent year over year. The Census Bureau reported that Miscellaneous store sales — a category that includes such retailers as florists, office supplies, stationery and gift stores and used merchandise stores — went up 9.3 percent.
Sales under Restaurants and Drinking Establishments rose 4.9 percent, compared to the same period a year ago, while those under Food and Beverage Stores increased 3.9 percent. Health and Personal Care sales were up 2.9 percent.
Restaurant and Drinking Establishment sales were up 4.9 percent in September, year-over-year
The Census Bureau reported a 1.5 percent year-over-year rise in the Sporting Goods, Hobby, Books and Music category. Clothing was up 1.5 percent, Furniture 1.1 percent, and Building Supply 0.7 percent.
Traditional and Discount Department Stores saw sales decline 6.1 percent, though the General Merchandise category as a whole was up 1.3 percent. Electronics was down 1.9 percent.
By Edmund Mander
Director, Editor-In-Chief/SCT
