Sales were up in 9 of 11 subsectors, representing 71% of total retail trade. Excluding sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales climbed 1.5%.

After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms were up 0.3%.

The largest increase in dollar terms was a 2.1% increase at general merchandise stores.

Sales at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (+3.5%) increased for the eighth consecutive month. This subsector has been trending upward on the strength of higher sales of home appliances, hardware and tools. This was the largest percentage increase since May 2015.

Receipts at gasoline stations (+1.7%) were up for the seventh time in nine months. This gain reflected higher prices at the pump. According to the Consumer Price Index, on an unadjusted basis, the price of gasoline rose 9.5% in April.

After decreasing 3.3% in March, sales bounced back at clothing and clothing accessories stores (+3.1%) in April. Gains were reported in all store types, led by clothing stores (+2.1%).