WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales in March rose by the largest amount in 18 months, led by strong gains in sales of autos, furniture and a number of other products.
The 1.1 percent jump reported by the Commerce Department on Monday was the best showing since September 2012. The government also revised February to a 0.7 percent gain, more than double its previous estimate.
Sales had fallen in January and December.
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.