Retail sales rose for the third consecutive month, rising 1.1% to $45.0 billion in October. Higher sales at gasoline stations and general merchandise stores were the main contributors to the gain. Excluding sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales were up 1.4% in October.

Sales were up in 9 of 11 subsectors, representing 90% of total retail trade.

After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms increased 0.6%.