US Retail Sales Up 1.1 Percent

Along with last month, largest gains since late 2010

Americans stepped up their spending at retail businesses in September, reflecting stronger sales of autos, electronics and building supplies.

Retail sales rose 1.1 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Monday. That followed a 1.2 percent increase in August, which was revised slightly higher. Both were the largest gains since October 2010.