Statement from Acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank on Retail Sales in September 2011
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.