After a few months of mixed data, retail sales picked up in April, two new surveys found.
The Commerce Dept. said that April retail and food services sales increased 0.1 percent from the prior month, and 3.7 percent from the prior year.
Sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores—the category that includes jewelry—rose 1.2 percent over March, and 5.7 percent over the prior year.
The National Retail Federation also found good results, with sales rising 0.6 percent from the prior month, and 3 percent from the prior year.
Clothing and clothing accessories stores’ sales increased 1.2 percent over March and 3.5 percent over last year.
“Today’s retail sales data is encouraging news,” said NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz in a statement. “However positive, retail sales and consumer spending in April may not necessarily translate into a stronger or healthier second quarter. NRF continues to forecast moderate sales growth for the year.”
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