Statement from Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on Retail Sales in March 2010

Release

The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released retail sales for March 2010. Retail sales increased 1.6 percent compared with an expected increase of 1.2 percent, and recent months were revised upwards. Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales rose 0.6 percent. Retail sales have grown 7.6 percent over the past year.

“The strong growth in retail sales demonstrates consumers’ increasing confidence in the economic recovery,” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “While this news is positive, the administration remains singularly focused on putting people back to work. Our recovery will not be complete until every American who wants a job can find one.”