The Commerce Department says retail sales rose 0.4 percent last month, the best advance since March. Excluding a big decline in autos, retail sales increased 0.6 percent. That's double the amount economists had expected.
The strength came in a number of areas from department stores to clothing stores and sporting goods outlets. The advance was the latest indication that the economy is regaining its footing after a dismal spring.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/9/232219