WASHINGTON–U.S. retail sales gained 1.3 percent from October to November, reaching $352.1 billion on an adjusted basis, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The total was also 1.9 percent ahead of November 2008. Excluding sales at the nation’s auto dealers, the month-to-month pickup was 0.6 percent. At department stores, November’s sales totaled $15.7 billion, up 0.7 percent from October but down 4.7 percent from November of last year.
Commenting on the Census Bureau’s report, the National Retail Federation attributed the gain over October to “the holiday season, low prices and pent-up demand.” “Unlike last year, when the economic downturn caught everyone off guard, retailers were able to plan ahead this holiday season with an eagle eye on low inventory and aggressive discounts,” said Rosalind Wells, NRF’s chief economist.
“Although November sales were encouraging, (retail) companies know that the holiday season is far from over and expect this year to come down to its usual photo finish,” Wells said.