U.S. retail sales rose 0.8% in October the Commerce Department said on Thursday.
This was compared to a 0.1% drop in the previous month which was revised down from an initial increase of 0.1%.
Economists had forecast a reading of 0.6%.
Rising retail sales over time correlate with stronger economic growth, while weaker sales signal a declining economy.
Core retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, rose 0.7% in October, after a 0.1% decline in the previous month.
The consensus forecast was for a reading of 0.5%.
Core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of gross domestic product.
