US retail sales dipped 0.3% in January as car sales fell sharply, but excluding this volatile sector, sales gained a healthy 0.6%.
While overall sales turned in their weakest performance since August, the gain outside of cars surpassed Wall Street expectations for a 0.4% climb and marked the strongest monthly rise since October.
Analysts said the data showed that consumer spending - while slowing from 2004's robust pace - was on a solid footing and economic growth off to a good start in 2005.
The Commerce Department said sales of cars and parts fell 3.3% in January, partly reversing December's 4% surge. Sales at clothing stores and petrol stations surged 1.8%, while general merchandise sales rose 0.9%.
Two separate reports showed sales at US chain stores rising, as increased customer traffic at discount and department stores continued to drive demand.
