Statement from Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on Retail Sales in August 2010

The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released retail sales data for August 2010.  Retail sales rose 0.4 percent, essentially matching the July gain of 0.3 percent and slightly above private-sector expectations.  Motor vehicle sales fell 0.7 percent, and sales at gasoline stations jumped 1.9 percent. Sales excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations rose 0.5 percent.

“An increase in retail sales in both July and August is encouraging and suggests that the economic recovery continues,” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said.  “While these data show that consumers are spending, the administration recognizes that Americans are still struggling.  That is why President Obama is focused on doing more to accelerate job growth in the short term and strengthen the economy in the long run, including new investments in our roads and railways and tax cuts for small businesses owners.”  Release