NRF: Retail sales maintain momentum in July for 10th straight month

Mid-summer sales events and early back-to-school deals gave a boost to retail sales in July, which rose for the 10th consecutive month.

Core retail sales (excluding restaurants, auto dealers and gas stations) inched up 0.3% month over month in July and were 4.72% year over year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation. That compared with increases of 0.36% month over month and 10.08% year over year in June.

Retail sales gains in July were led by digital products, such as electronic books and games. Sales declined in four categories: electronics and appliance stores; furniture and home furnishings stores; building and garden supply stores; and sporting goods; and hobby, music and book stores.   ...more

RSK: Good news for your retail clients. Should be up again next month as back to school sales come rolling in.