Economy, Retail | featured news

Early reports from retailers show that Americans took a a breather from their March shopping spree in April, partly because Easter came earlier. But the spring selling season is ending up respectable, an encouraging sign for the economy....

Retail sales soared in March, the government said Wednesday, in the latest sign of improving consumer confidence.

The 0.3 percent increase, the biggest since November, provided hope that the recovery was gaining momentum.

Retail sales posted a better-than-expected increase in January, a welcome development that could mean stronger economic growth in coming months.

The downward revision, to 2.2 percent growth from 2.8 percent, was partly because shoppers did not spend as much and construction was weaker than first thought.

Consumers spent more on gasoline and a wide range of other goods, data showed, raising hopes of a self-sustaining economic recovery.

US retail sales rebounded in October as demand for cars continued to climb even after the expiration of government sponsored incentives.

Sales fall after a surge in the previous month, but the drop is smaller than forecast. Retail sales fell in September after a popular program aimed at boosting auto sales ended ...

Although the recession has been a struggle for all U.S. retailers, there is evidence that it has been especially difficult for the nation’s smaller, independent retailers.