Retail Sales Rise 0.2% in October

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etail sales in the United States rose 0.2% in October, while sales excluding motor vehicles posted the biggest jump since May.

Last month's overall gain followed a 1.6% increase in September that was larger than previously reported. Excluding vehicles, sales rose 0.9%.

Almost all trucking operations depend on the health of retail sales because such sales involve nearly every type of cargo.

Receipts at gasoline service stations rose 4.3% last month, the most since May, after a 0.5% gain in September. Sales at automobile dealerships and parts stores dropped 2.2% last month after rising 4.3%.

Excluding cars and gasoline, sales rose 0.5%, following a 0.8% increase in September, Commerce said.

Sales at general merchandise stores, which include department stores, rose 0.9%, while sales at clothing and accessory stores jumped 3%, the biggest increase in two years.

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