Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores rose 0.8 percent month-to-month and 6.5 percent unadjusted from August 2005.
The consumer electronics category was a major performer during the back-to-school selling season.
Sales in electronics and appliances stores increased 0.1 percent from the prior month and 4.9 percent unadjusted from last August.
Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers continued to show steady growth in spite of the slowing housing market.
Sales in this category were up 0.1 percent from the prior month and 7.6 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
NRF estimates that combined back-to-school and back-to-college sales were $54.2 billion this year.
National Retail Federation
marketing@alchempro.com
