The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released retail sales data for December and the full year of 2010. Retail sales rose 0.6 percent in December and 6.6 percent for the full year, representing strong annual growth and the sixth consecutive monthly gain. December’s increase was slightly below private-sector expectations of a 0.8-percent gain. Excluding automobiles, retail sales grew 0.5 percent in December and a strong 5.9 percent for the full year of 2010. Sales at motor vehicle dealers increased 1.1 percent.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
