Retail sales increased a slight two-tenths of a percent in November, as strong sales tied to holiday shopping were offset by lower gasoline prices.
The US Commerce Department says excluding gas, November retail sales rose a healthy one-half percent and have climbed a solid 5.3% for the year.
In November, non-store retail sales - a category that includes internet brands such as Amazon - jumped 2.3%.
Furnishers, electronics stores and health stores also enjoyed a solid bump as the holiday shopping season got into full swing.
But gas stations saw a 2.3% drop in purchases last month.