Retail Sales in U.S. Increase by Most in Five Months

Americans flocked to stores and auto dealerships in November as retail sales climbed the most in five months, a sign consumer spending is emerging from a third-quarter lull.

The 0.7 percent gain followed a 0.6 percent advance in October that was larger than first reported, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. November sales excluding receipts at gas stations climbed the most since September 2012, reflecting broad-based strength from Internet retailers to furniture outlets to electronics and appliances establishments.