Retail sales rise in week

WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- Retail sales in the United States rose in the week ending May 23, the International Council of Shopping Centers-USB reported Wednesday.

Sales were up 0.8 percent in the week and 0.5 percent compared to the same week a year ago, the report said.

Around the country, "favorable weather helped trigger some seasonal spending," the weekly report said.

Temperatures averaged 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the same week a year ago, Weather Trends International said.

Store traffic during week picked up "appreciably" in grocer, drug, discount, office supply and clothing outlets, the report said.

Gasoline prices, which quickly influence discretionary spending, continued to rise, averaging $2.435 per gallon on May 25, 12.6 cents higher than a week ago. Although higher for the week, gas prices were down 38 percent from the same week a year ago, the report said.