WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales increased a slight 0.2% in November, as strong sales tied to holiday shopping were offset by lower gasoline prices.
Excluding gas, however, the Commerce Department said Friday that last month’s retail sales rose a healthy 0.5% in a positive sign for economic growth.
Retail sales have climbed a solid 5.3% so far this year. In November, nonstore retail sales — a category that includes internet brands such as Amazon — jumped 2.3%.
