Retail Sales Surge In May By The Largest Amount In 16 Months

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Consumers brushed off rising gasoline prices and slumping home sales to storm the malls in May, pushing retail sales up by the largest amount in 16 months. <br/><br/>The Commerce Department

Wednesday, June 13th 2007, 7:37 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Consumers brushed off rising gasoline prices and slumping home sales to storm the malls in May, pushing retail sales up by the largest amount in 16 months.

The Commerce Department reported that retail sales surged by 1.4% last month, compared to April, double the increase that analysts had been expecting. Retail sales had fallen by 0.1% in April.

The May strength was widespread with auto dealers, department stores, specialty clothing stores and hardware stores enjoying an especially good month.