WASHINGTON – The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released retail sales data for September 2011. Retail sales surged 1.1 percent, exceeding private sector expectations of a 0.7 percent advance. Motor vehicle and parts sales jumped 3.6 percent. Sales excluding automotive dealers jumped 0.6 percent, also above private-sector expectations of a 0.3 percent rise. In addition, August sales were revised up from an initial report of no change to a 0.3 percent increase.

 “The surge in retail sales this September reflects improving consumer confidence,” Blank said. “We have an opportunity now to build on this momentum and accelerate job creation by swiftly passing the measures in President Obama’s American Jobs Act, which will put people back to work right away and put more money in the pockets of American families.”

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