May Retail Sales Up 5% from Last Year

[Sherman A1]

Improved consumer confidence and spending helped drive retail sales in May, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

In fact, May retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from April and increased a strong 4.8 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

“The American consumer continues to drive the U.S. economy,” said Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO. “In spite of fluctuating gas prices, severe weather in much of the country and fiscal policy uncertainty, consumers continue to demonstrate an inherent resiliency and flexibility.”

Released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce, May's total retail and food services sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and increased 4.3 percent adjusted year-over-year.


http://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-stories/headlines/market-trends/id39306/may-retail-sales-up-5-from-last-year/

[DustyJoe]

1. Bunk !!!

They collected 5% more money for less product. Between product downsizing and price inflation (just groceries alone), the consumers did NOT buy 5% more products. We just took a higher hit at the checkout counter. I am on SS and I buy the same crap week after week and in a year have seen the bill climb much higher than 5%. Polish that terd may make it look good, but it still tastes crappy.