WASHINGTON — U.S. consumers increased their spending at retail businesses in December, buying more autos, furniture and clothing.
Steady job growth and lower gasoline prices kept consumers shopping for the holidays, despite worries about potential tax increases.
The Commerce Department said Tuesday that retail sales rose 0.5 percent in December from November, slightly better than November’s 0.4 percent increase and the best showing since September.
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.