Total US retail sales rose 0.3% in February, a pretty good gain given the very bad weather on the East Coast and poor auto sales. Still, total sales have been flattish at their 2-year average since November, rising only 0.3% during the last 3 months. February total sales are 3.5% above last year’s depressed level but remain 4.7% below their February 2008 level.
The automobile sector remains very weak. 
As does the building material segment, although signs of a bottoming process are apparent.
Department-Store-Type-Merchandise stores continue to fare well, gaining 0.8% in February. The US consumer is not willing or capable of purchasing cars or spending on the house but he is spending more on other discretionary goods.
Total DSTM sales bottomed last July, rising 3.8% during the last 7 months. DSTM sales are up 1.7% YoY in February and are only 0.3% below their July 2008 peak level.
Online sales were flat in February but but are up 11.6% YoY!
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