According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail industry sales for June rose 7.5% unadjusted over last year and increased a half percent seasonally adjusted from May (the figure excludes automobiles, gas stations and restaurants). The gains, which led second quarter sales to rise 6.1% over 2004, were stronger than NRF had been expecting.

General merchandise stores, including department stores, also saw gains, with sales increasing 1.2% from May and rising 9.8% unadjusted over last June.

June retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show that total retail sales-which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants-rose 1.7% seasonally adjusted from May and increased 10.4% unadjusted year-over-year.

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