WASHINGTON, June 13 (UPI) -- Retail sales in the United States rose 1.4 percent in May, marking the largest adjusted gain in 16 months, the U.S. Commerce Department said Wednesday.
Sales were up in all categories and better than Wall Street economists estimated at 0.7 percent, MarketWatch reported.
Inflation accounted for much of the sales gain in May. Gasoline sales rose 3.8 percent, fueled by record pump prices. Excluding gas, retail sales jumped 1.2 percent.
Auto sales rose 1.8 percent even though automakers reported a decline in unit sales. Excluding autos, retail sales rose 1.3 percent.
At the mall, general merchandise store sales rose 1 percent and department store sales increased 1.3 percent.
Clothing store sales were up 2.7 percent in May, while sales at music, book and sporting goods stores rose 1.8 percent
Food store sales gained 0.3 percent, although sales at restaurants and bars increased 0.7 percent.
Building materials store sales rose 2.1 percent. Sales at electronics and appliance stores were up 1.3 percent, while furniture store sales increased by 0.3 percent.