September retail sales rise

WASHINGTON The Census Bureau on Friday announced that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for September were up 0.6% from August to $367.7 billion, making it 7.3% above last year.

Total sales for the July through September 2010 period were up 5.7% from the same period a year ago. Retail trade sales were up 0.7% from August, and 7.7% above last year.

Among advance estimates for pharmacies and drug stores, sales increased from $18.28 million in July 2010 to $18.43 million to August 2010. Meanwhile, health and personal care stores dropped 1.1% to $21.62 million, compared with August sales. Grocery store sales also declined from about $44.07 million in August to $43.5 million in September.