Press Release

Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Hails Strong Holiday Shopping Sales

WASHINGTON—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement on this morning’s retail sales report that showed December retail and food services sales increased 0.9 percent. In 2006 overall, retail and food services sales increased six percent.

"Today’s retail sales report shows that Americans shopped with confidence and vigor this past holiday shopping season. With increased take home pay, falling gas prices, steady job creation and 20 consecutive quarters of economic growth, it comes as little surprise that December retail sales rose more than expected," said Gutierrez.

"American consumers and workers continue to fuel our economy. In order to keep our economy on a path of economic prosperity, we must ensure that the President’s tax relief becomes permanent, we must develop more domestic energy sources, and we need to keep opening global markets for U.S. goods and services. By maintaining a business environment that encourages competition and innovation, our economy will continue to grow and strengthen."