Övünç Kutlu
15 April 2021•Update: 15 April 2021
ANKARA
US retail sales hit their highest level since last May because of stimulus checks to Americans, according to figures released on Thursday by the Census Bureau.
Retail sales soared 9.8% to $619.1 billion in March, from February's revised level of $563.7 billion when it fell 2.7% from the previous month. Analysts expected a 5.9% increase.
Most of the increase came from clothing and accessories that doubled while sporting goods, hobbies, musical instruments and book stores, and motor vehicle and parts increasing more than 70%.
The rise is attributed to US President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion relief package that included $1,400 direct payment to most Americans.
