Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} US retail sales unexpectedly rose in January, giving beleaguered retailers a break after seven consecutive months of decline, the government reported today. The Commerce Department said that total retail sales increased 1 percent last month versus a revised drop of 3 percent in December. December sales were previously reported to have declined 2.7 percent. The January rise was the highest reading since May 2008. Many economists were expecting a decrease of 0.8 percent for the month. Sales at retailers rebounded but profits dwindled as stores slashed prices, kept longer hours and offered two-for-one deals to attract shoppers and unload inventories after a dismal holiday shopping season. The increase between December and January was the biggest since November 2007. On an annual basis, sales last month were down 9.7 percent compared with January 2008, the Commerce Department said, reflecting lower gas prices and how drastically consumers have cut back spending. The January report shows increases in sales of automobiles and in general merchandise storesÔÇöÔÇ£big boxÔÇØ outletsÔÇöthough sales by department stores posted a decline. Spending at motor vehicles and parts dealers rose 1.8 percent and increased 1.1 percent at general merchandise stores. Excluding motor vehicles and parts, sales were up 0.9 percent after a revised record 3.2 percent decline in the measure in December. December sales minus auto purchases were originally reported to have declined 3.1 percent. Sales rose across retail categories, including a 2.6 percent increase in electronics sales, while clothing stores saw their sales rise 1.6 percent. Sales at grocery stores rose 2.2 percent, Gasoline sales jumped 2.6 percent, their biggest gain in seven months, after plunging 15.6 in December. The few weak spots, according to the report, included a 1.3 percent decline in furniture purchases, a 3.2 percent further decline in sales of building materials after dropping 2.3 percent in December, and a 0.5 percent drop in sporting goods and hobby stores.