January Retail Sales Edge Up

January retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted over December and 3.2 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

“We continue to see the economy show subtle signs of improvement,” said Rosalind Wells, Chief Economist for NRF. “While the recovery still has a long way to go, we remain encouraged by the latest retail sales figures.”

Retailers offered special deals aimed at enticing shoppers to hit the stores to use gift cards they received over the holiday season and stock up on clearance items.