Consumer spending on fall apparel and other discretionary purchases increased last month, helping retail sales see modest improvements, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Retail industry sales-excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants-increased 0.5% from August, but fell 1.5% year over year.

"Retail is not out of the woods yet, but consumers felt comfortable enough last month to spend on more than just necessities," said Rosalind Wells, NRF chief economist. "As we head into the essential fourth quarter, retailers will likely continue aggressive promotions and discounts to bring people back into stores."

September retail sales released by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales-which include non-general merchandise categories such as cars, gas stations and restaurants-decreased 1.5% seasonally adjusted from the previous month and 5.4% unadjusted year over year.

Thanks to cooler weather, Labor Day sales and a final push for back-to-school shopping, clothing and clothing accessories stores sales increased 0.5% adjusted from August, but decreased 0.4% unadjusted year over year.

Book, music, sporting goods and hobby stores sales also increased, with sales rising 0.1% adjusted over last month and increasing 2.9% unadjusted year over year.

Health and personal care store sales also saw solid growth with sales increasing 0.8 seasonally adjusted from last month and 3.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Electronics and appliance store sales were flat from the previous month and decreased 9.9% unadjusted over last year.

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