November retail sales up more than expected

WASHINGTON ? The Commerce Department said on Tuesday total retail sales increased 0.8 percent, advancing for a fifth straight month. Sales for October were revised up to 1.7 percent from a previously reported 1.2 percent gain. Economists polled by Reuters had expected retail sales to increase 0.6 percent last month. Compared to November last year sales were up 7.7 percent. Pens good, body spray bad. Armed with these insights, you’ll be sure not to blow it this holiday season. Excluding autos, sales rose 1.2 percent last, exceeding economists' expectations for a 0.6 percent gain. Sales excluding autos increased 0.8