U.S. Shoppers Boost Sales 0.5% in June

America’s shoppers emerged from a lull and got into the buying groove in June, driving up sales at the nation’s retailers by 0.5%, the best showing in three months.

The solid increase reported by the Commerce Department came after retail sales were flat in May, according to revised figures. May’s performance was slightly weaker than the tiny 0.1% gain the government estimated a month ago.

Tuesday’s report provided fresh evidence that consumers are keeping their wallets sufficiently open to support the fragile economy.