Gas Prices, Retailer | featured news

Americans spent briskly during the early spring months in the latest sign that they’re encouraged by the economic recovery. Falling gas prices, a rallying stock market and gains in the job market all fueled Americans’ shopping habits even as cold weather tempered their desire to buy spring fashions.

Retail sales recorded their largest gain in five months in February as Americans snapped up motor vehicles and bought a range of goods even as they paid more for gasoline, government data showed on Tuesday.

Retailer rolls back by 10 cents a gallon for users of its branded credit cards and gift cards.

Big chains report an 8.9% increase from a year earlier, led by discounters and apparel stores. A later Easter is considered only partly responsible for the big jump.

Retailers are reporting solid revenue gains for February, extending the strong spending momentum seen during the holiday season. Worries are growing, however, that rising gas prices...