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STATEMENT FROM COMMERCE SECRETARY
DONALD L. EVANS ON TODAY’S
RETAIL SALES REPORT
Report Highlights Rising Retail Sales in July

WASHINGTON, DC – “Americans are spending more because they are confident in the U.S. economy. Thanks to the President’s economic leadership, consumers have more money in their pockets to purchase big-ticket items like new cars and the confidence to make long-term decisions like buying a home. There is more work to do and the Bush Administration is committed to creating the conditions that will continue to expand and strengthen the economy.”

Note: Today the Census Bureau of the Commerce Department released data indicating that retail sales in July rose 0.7 percent. The report showed that automobile sales rose 2.4 percent last month after falling 3 percent and furniture sales increased 1.1 percent after rising 2.6 percent. Sales at general merchandise stores rose 1 percent last month after falling 0.2 percent in June and Department store sales rose 0.2 percent. Retail sales at clothing and accessory stores fell
0.1 percent after declining 0.5 percent.