Retail makes modest strides in U.S.

WASHINGTON — U.S. retail and food services sales for November were $432.3 billion, an increase of 0.7% from the previous month, and 4.7% above November 2012. Total sales for the September through November 2013 period were up 4.1% from the same period a year ago. Retail trade sales were up 0.6% from October 2013, and 4.6% above last year, the U.S. Census Bureau announced.