Retail sales were strong in September, with auto sales up 19 percent and retail and food service sales up 7.3 percent from last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
September retail and food sales were estimated at $367.7 billion, up 0.6 percent from August. Retail only sales were up 7.7 percent from last year.
In the third quarter, sales were up 5.7 percent compared to last year.
Local retailers reported modest September sales increases earlier this month with TJX Cos. Inc. posting a 6 percent gain to $2.1 billion and Natick-based BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. posting a $3.6 million sales gain to $928.1 million.
