Retail sales in the US increased 1.3% last month seasonally adjusted from September, according to data from the National Retail Federation (NRF).
During the month, sales grew by 8.3% year-over-year (YoY) and were up by 7.7% YoY on a three-month moving average.
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The figures, based on data from the US Census Bureau, show that retail sales, excluding those at automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, rose 0.7% from September and 6.5% unadjusted YoY.
Online and other non-store sales in the month grew by 1.2% seasonally adjusted from September and increased by 11.8% unadjusted from October last year.
Sales at grocery and beverage stores rose by 1.4% seasonally adjusted from September and were up by 6.8% unadjusted YoY.
The data also found that clothing and clothing accessory stores were flat during the month, but increased 2.5% unadjusted from a year earlier.
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By GlobalDataGeneral merchandise stores saw a 0.2% sales decline seasonally adjusted from the previous month, but grew 1.8% unadjusted YoY.
Earlier this month, the NRF said it expects sales during the Christmas period to grow by 6-8% compared with last year.
NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said: “October retail sales data confirms that consumers continue to stretch their dollars on household priorities, including gifts for family and loved ones this holiday season.
“With a strong labour market and excess savings, we are expecting a solid five-day holiday shopping weekend, and retailers are prepared to meet their customers with the right inventory, competitive prices and great experiences.
“We are keeping a close eye on the railway labour negotiations and urge Congress to do everything in its power to avoid a labour strike this holiday season.”
Last month, the NRF reported that retail sales in the US remained unchanged from August to September on a seasonally adjusted basis.
