Spurred by a robust back-to-school season, overall retail sales jumped 5.1% in August compared with August 2002, according to a National Retail Federation report based on U.S. Commerce Department figures.
“August’s sales were helped by the back-to-school season, favorable weather ,and an economy that is showing definite signs of picking up momentum,” NRF chief economist Rosalind Wells said in a statement. “A strong back-to-school season is usually an indicator of good things to come for the rest of the year.”