Retail Sales in April Rise Unexpectedly

Washington, DC, May 13, 2013 — U.S. retail sales unexpectedly rose 0.1% in April, according to the Commerce Department.

Consumers bought automobiles and building materials.

The increase came after a revised 0.5% decline in March.

Economists expected sales to drop 0.3%.

Core sales, which exclude automobiles, gasoline and building materials, rose 0.5 % after and increase of 0.1% in March.