Retail sales on the rise in February (AP) (02-03-2011)

NEW YORK – Retail sales rose in February despite winter storms and rising gas prices.

According data from MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse, clothing sales rose 6 percent, with increases in men's, women's and teen clothing while furniture sales also rose 4 percent, showing the fourth consecutive monthly increase for that category, one of the hardest-hit during the recession.

Luxury sales excluding jewelry rose 1.7 percent, a slower pace for a sector that recovered more quickly than others post-recession.

Online sales rose 13.2 percent, continuing to outpace physical store sales. Electronics and appliance sales fell 4.1 percent. Electronics sales overall have been hurt by drastically lower prices for flat-panel televisions.

The International Council of Shopping Centers expects revenue in stores open at least one year will rise 2.5 percent to 3 percent industry wide.

Source: AP