Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
NRF: Retail Sales Tick up in June
July 16,
2014 by in Economic News, Industry 
The National Retail Federation has calculated that June retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, increased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 3.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
"June retail sales reinforce the renewed strength of consumer confidence and marked increases in retail employment over the last few months," said Jack Kleinhenz, NRF chief economist. "The upward revisions in April and May have provided positive signs of momentum for second quarter growth after a dismal first quarter."
Retail sales gains were seen in many categories including electronics, health and personal care, clothing and apparel, sporting goods and general merchandise. The downshift in building and furniture sales continue to reflect the fits and starts of the housing market.
Furniture and home furnishing store June sales fell 0.1 percent from May levels, but were up 2.2 percent year-over-year, according to NRF's calculations.