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Retail sales up 0.2 percent in July
WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales edged up in July despite a drop in auto sales. A category of purchases that excludes the most volatile areas rose by the most in seven months, a sign that consumer spending could boost economic growth in coming months. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that retail sales increased 0.2 percent […]
Retail sales rise 1.1 percent in February
WASHINGTON — Americans stepped up spending on retail goods in February, evidence that a stronger job market is boosting the economy. Consumers bought more autos, clothes and appliances. They also paid higher prices for gas. Retail sales increased 1.1 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. It was the biggest gain since September. The […]
Shoppers snap up Cyber Monday deals
NEW YORK — Shoppers seem to be just as enthusiastic about shopping on their computers and smartphones on Cyber Monday as they were about finding deals over the Black Friday weekend. Online sales on Cyber Monday, which was started in 2005 by a retail trade group to encourage Americans to shop online the Monday after […]
Consumers hit retail stores to give economy boost
WASHINGTON — Consumers are giving a modest lift to the economy. They spent more on autos, electronics and building supplies in October to boost retail sales for the fifth straight month. The gains provide an encouraging start for the October-December quarter just as separate reports show wholesale prices are flattening and U.S. shoppers are spending […]
Syms and Filene’s unit seek bankruptcy protection
SECAUCUS, N.J. — Discount retailer Syms Corp. and its subsidiary Filene’s Basement have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plan to liquidate their operations. Syms acquired Filene’s Basement out of bankruptcy protection in the spring of 2009 for $62.4 million, but struggled to turn the chain around. They own and run 46 stores mostly […]
Retail sales flat in August, auto demand declined
WASHINGTON — Consumers spent less on autos, clothing and furniture to leave retail sales unchanged in August. The lack of growth suggests households became more cautious during wild stock market fluctuations and increased fears about the economy. The Commerce Department also said Wednesday that retail sales were slightly weaker in July than first thought. They […]
Retail sales rise for 5th straight month in November
WASHINGTON — Retail sales rose for a fifth straight month in November, as the biggest jump in department store sales in two years gave the holiday shopping season a strong start. The Commerce Department says retail sales increased 0.8 percent last month. That came after a 1.7 percent gain in October, which was propelled by […]
