Surprise increase in retail sales

Total sales rose 1% in January versus expectations for a decline. Sales excluding auto purchases also show unexpected gain.

By Parija B. Kavilanz, CNNMoney.com senior writer
February 12, 2009: 8:41 AM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Retail sales unexpectedly rose in January, giving hard-hit retailers some respite after six straight months of sales erosion, the government reported Thursday.

The Commerce Department said total retail sales rose 1% last month. Economists surveyed by Briefing.com on average had forecast a decrease of 0.8% for January.

Sales excluding autos and auto parts rose 0.9%. Economists had forecast a decrease of 0.4% in the measure, according to Briefing.com.

Sales rose across retail categories, including purchases at electronics, clothing and general merchandise stores.