Retail sales rose 0.2% last month after a revised 1.2% decline in January, the Commerce Department’s Census Bureau said on Monday.
Retail sales excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services increased 1.0% in February after a revised 1.0% decline in January. These so-called core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of gross domestic product.
Online spending helped boost the sales number for the month, with nonstore retailers reporting a 2.4% increase. Health and personal care showed a 1.7% gain while food and beverage outlets saw a 0.4% rise.
On the downside, bars and restaurants reported a 1.5% decrease, while gas stations were off 1% amid falling prices at the pump.
Sales overall increased 3.1% on a year-over-year basis, better than the 2.8% inflation rate as measured by the consumer price index.