The Commerce Department's U.S. Census Bureau today released retail sales data (PDF) for January 2012. Total retail sales grew 0.4 percent from December 2011 to January 2012. Excluding automobiles, January 2012 retail sales grew 0.7 percent.
"Retail sales showed continued progress last month, but work remains to ensure we're supporting an economy that's built to last. That's why the president's budget proposal focuses on American manufacturing, American energy and skills for American workers, and why it's crucial that Congress pass extensions of the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance. We've had 23 consecutive months of private sector job growth, creating 3.7 million jobs. We must sustain that momentum."
http://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2012/02/14/statement-commerce-secretary-john-bryson-retail-sales-january-2012
