Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Statement on Retail Sales in January 2010

The U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau today released retail sales data for January 2010. Retail sales increased 0.5 percent from December, exceeding the 0.3 percent increase expected by the private sector. Retail sales rose 7.6 percent at an annual rate in the fourth quarter, following a gain of 6.4 percent in the third quarter.

"It is reassuring that retail sales continued to expand at the start of the year," Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "But while these numbers are promising, the President has made clear that jobs are his top priority. That’s why he has called on Congress to pass new tax cuts for small businesses, as well as infrastructure and clean energy investments. We’ll only be satisfied when any American who wants a job can get one”

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