November Retail Sales Up 0.8 Percent, Beating Expectations

The Commerce Department reported better-than-expected retail sales in November. Sales rose 0.8 percent, following a 1.7 percent increase in October. Target and Costco led the sales gains for discounters; Abercrombie & Fitch shone among teen retailers; and Macy's and J.C. Penney were singled out in reports among departments store chains as having better-than-forecast results.