Retail sales were much better than expected which leaves economists to ponder if it is the beginning of a recovery trend in one of the industries hardest hit by the recession.

U.S.retail sales in January were the best they have been in more than a year, bouncing off after six straight months of declines, according to the Commerce Department.

The January improvement was 1%  As expected auto sales were down, but apparel and food sales rose. The numbers still leave open the question how much retailers have had to discount to bring these customers in.

Douglas A. McIntyre