Retail sales rose in September despite rising prices and supply shortages, according to data released on Friday by the Census Bureau, The Hill reported. Sales by retailers, including restaurants and bars, not adjusted for inflation totaled $625.4 billion in September, rising 0.7 percent from August’s revised total of $620.9 billion. The increase defied the expectations of economists, who projected sales to decline as supply chain snarls continue to raise prices. Stores that sell sports equipment, musical instruments, books and hobby products saw the biggest increase in September, with sales rising 3.7 percent last month after falling 3.3 percent in August. Superstores and other general merchandise sellers saw a 2 percent increase in sales last month, while online retail sales rose 0.6 percent after a sharp 5.7 percent-jump in August. Only electronics and appliance stores and health and personal care stores saw sales fall last month.
