Positive retail sales numbers in October point to a good holiday sales season ahead, according to the National Retail Foundation (NRF).

NRF’s recent report indicates that October retail sales—excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants—increased 2.5% seasonally adjusted versus the previous month, and 4.2% unadjusted from October 2012.

“Consumer spending is growing as we head into the holiday shopping season and the timing couldn’t be better,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Consumers seem to have found some sense of confidence, driven, in part, by lower gas prices. While positive gains were seen in most retail categories, retailers will continue to rely on heavy promotions to drive traffic and sales this holiday season.

“We remain optimistic that retailers will experience a healthy holiday season, but we also remain steadfast in our belief that Congress and the administration need to work together on policies that bolster confidence in our economy, spurring capital investment and job growth by business owners large and small,” added Shay. “This is key in order to sustain long-term economic recovery that is currently being led by the retail industry.”

NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz added: “The ever-resilient consumer continues to deliver better economic news. Various retail segments contributed to this month’s growth showing that there is an ongoing pent-up demand by consumers. Confidence and sales should continue to improve. As the holiday season draws closer and closer, NRF remains confident in a good holiday shopping and sales season, which will be in line with our forecast.”

NRF released its holiday sales forecast in October, which indicated a 3.9% increase in sales versus 2012. NRF believes that holiday sales will reach $602.1 billion this year.

Other findings show that book, music, hobby and sporting goods stores’ sales increased 1.6% seasonally adjusted month to month and 5.4% unadjusted year over year.

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