US Retail Sales Post Surprise Gain, Helped by Online Stores
- Value of purchases rose 0.1% in August; estimate 0.2% drop
- Control-group sales increased for a fourth straight month
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US retail sales unexpectedly rose in August, supported by online purchases that masked more mixed results at other merchants.
The value of retail purchases, unadjusted for inflation, increased 0.1% after a revised 1.1% gain in July, Commerce Department data showed Tuesday. Excluding autos and gasoline stations, sales advanced for fourth month.