Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–May 12, 2011. The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released retail sales data for April 2011. Retail sales rose 0.5 percent, slightly lower than private-sector expectations, though sales for February and March were revised significantly upward. Retail sales excluding motor vehicles rose 0.6 percent, consistent with private-sector expectations. Motor vehicle sales in April increased 0.2 percent, and sales at gasoline stations jumped 2.7 percent. Sales excluding those at motor vehicle and parts dealers and gasoline stations rose 0.2 percent.
