Retail sales up slightly on week

Retail sales in the United States rose slightly in the week ending Oct. 4, the International Council of Shopping Centers-USB reported Tuesday.

Sales were up 0.1 percent on the week, turning around four consecutive weeks of declines. Sales were up 1.3 percent from a year ago, the report said.

Around the country, consumers were hit with cooler weather but enjoyed receding gas prices, ICSC said.

Gas prices have dropped 35.1 cents a gallon in three weeks, falling 14.8 cents in the week of Oct. 4, the report said. The national average price for unleaded gasoline was $3.484 per gallon at the end of the week.

Retailers experienced a slight uptick during the week, especially among discount stores, department stores and specialty clothing outlets, the report said.