WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rose 0.8 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Monday. That’s below February’s 1 percent increase but above January’s pace.
Some of the increase went to pay higher gas prices. Still, steeper gas hasn’t deterred Americans from spending more on other goods.
Consumers spent more on building materials, autos, electronics, furniture and clothing. Excluding car and gasoline sales, retail sales increased 0.7 percent. And excluding autos, gas, and home supplies, so-called “core” sales rose 0.5 percent in March, matching February’s gain.
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