Retail Sales Increase on Post-Holiday Discounts - Bloomberg
Sales at U.S. retailers rose less than forecast in January, reflecting an unexpected drop in purchases of automobiles.
The 0.4 percent gain reported by the Commerce Department today in Washington was half the 0.8 percent rise median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Sales excluding cars climbed 0.7 percent, more than projected and the biggest gain since March.
Chains like Target Corp. (TGT) and Limited Brands Inc. topped analysts