US retail and food services sales climbed 1.2% in August, the strongest monthly advance since March, according to data released by the US Census Bureau on September 16. The gain follows a 0.6% decline in July, which was the first monthly drop in nine months. Year-over-year growth reached 6.0%, with July sales at $763.6 billion. The control group used in GDP calculations posted a 1.4% monthly increase, signaling third-quarter growth likely above expectations. Categories showing strength included health and personal care retailers along with online and non-store segments.
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