Retail Sales Strongest in Three Months

Washington, DC, June 13, 2013 — Retail sales jumped 0.6% in May thanks largely to strong auto sales, according to the Commerce Department.

The May number was the strongest in three months and followed a 0.1% increase in April as auto sales rose 1.8%.

Excluding autos, retail sales rose 0.3% in May, the Commerce Department said.

Sales at building materials and garden equipment stores increased 0.9% after rising 3.6% in April.