US retail sales jump in February

U.S. retail sales recorded an increase in February, which is considered the largest hike since February 2012, official data showed here Wednesday.  The Department of Commerce indicated that U.S. retail and food services sales for February were USD 421.4 billion, an increase of 1.1 percent from the previous month and 4.6 percent above February 2012.  It added that total sales for the December 2012 through February 2013 period were up 4.5 percent from the same period a year ago.  According to the report, retail trade sales were up 1.3 percent from January 2013 and 4.7 percent above last year. Furthermore, non-store retailers were up 15.7 percent from February 2012 and auto and other motor vehicle dealers were up 8.8 percent from last year.