Store chain data released earlier were in sync with today's report. Same-store sales for the more than 20 companies tracked by Swampscott, Massachusetts-based Retail Metrics rose 3.9 percent last month, beating the average estimate for a 3.3 percent gain, as many chains offered discounts and shoppers stocked up early on spring gear.
Sales at Gap, the largest U.S. apparel chain, climbed 8 percent. Target, the second-largest U.S. discount chain, and Macy's Inc., the owner of Bloomingdale's and namesake stores, each posted 7.3 percent increased. All three companies beat the average analyst projection.
Sales may have been helped by better weather as demand at building material stores climbed 3 percent, the most this year. The average temperature was 51.1 degrees Fahrenheit (10.6 degrees Celsius) in March, the warmest on record for the month in the past 117 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Sales at automobile dealers defied projections of a decrease as purchases rose 0.9 percent last month, today's report showed. The results are in contrast with industry figures.
Cars and light trucks sold at a 14.3 million annual rate in March, following a 15 million pace the prior month, according to Ward's Automotive Group. Nonetheless, the March figures capped the strongest quarter in four years.
"The industry and consumers have been very resilient in the face of higher pump prices," Don Johnson, vice president of U.S. sales at General Motors Co., said on a call with analysts this month. "The steadily improving economy is playing a role and so is pent-up demand and an improved credit market."
Purchases excluding autos increased 0.8 percent, today's report showed. They were projected to rise 0.6 percent, the survey median showed.
The retail sales data, which aren't adjusted for prices, may have also reflected higher gasoline receipts at service stations. Filling-station sales increased 1.1 percent. Regular fuel in March averaged $3.84 a gallon, or 28 cents more than in February, according to AAA, the nation's biggest auto group.
Excluding autos, gasoline and building materials, which are the figures used to calculate gross domestic product, sales climbed 0.4 percent after a 0.5 percent increase in the previous month.
The economy expanded "at a modest to moderate pace" from mid-February through late March as manufacturing, hiring and retail sales showed signs of strength in the face of higher fuel prices, the Fed said in its Beige Book report on April 11. The central bank has pledged to keep its benchmark interest rate near zero until late 2014 to stimulate expansion.