Retail sales topped expectations in October off of broad strength across key categories. On a year-over-year comparison, retail sales were up 4.3% during the month as hiring and wage growth clearly overshadowed election fatigue.
Building material and garden equipment sales increased 1.1% M/M and 6.5% Y/Y. That strength was tipped off a bit earlier when Home Depot (NYSE:HD) reported.
Sales at health and personal care stores were up 0.8% M/M and 8.3% Y/Y. Not a bad read for Ultra Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA) and e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF).
