California Business Minute™

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute

The Commerce Department reported that U.S. retail sales increased for the
second consecutive month to 0.4 percent to $363.7 billion in August from July. 
And sales were 3.6 percent higher than from August 2009. Retail sales rose by
the largest amount in five months.  It was the second straight monthly increase
and the biggest gain since March.

Bigger back-to-school discounts, an increase in the number of states offering
tax-free holidays and the restoration of extended jobless benefits may have
helped boost demand

Leading retail growth were increases in food and beverage, health and personal
care, clothing and clothing accessories, sporting goods, hobby, book and music
stores.

Those lagging or showing no growth included building material and garden supply,
furniture and home furnishing, electronic s and appliance retailers.

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.