A jump in sales at auto dealers drove much of the gain. Purchases climbed at electronics and appliances stores and at restaurants and bars. Though some of October's rise in retail sales reflected higher prices,

A positive October sales report shows a strong retail market. U.S. retail sales increased slightly more than expected in October as households boosted purchases of motor vehicles and electronic goods, suggesting the economy kicked off the fourth quarter on a strong note.

American shoppers have spent more than expected so far this fall at retail establishments and restaurants. U.S. retail and food-service sales rose 0.4% in October from September in seasonally adjusted terms to $718.