SmallBusinessNewz

The figure of 0.7 percent may not sound like a lot, but in this instance, it's probably a cause for celebration.  The National Retail Federation reports that retail sales finally rose in August, and that's the amount by which they increased on a month-over-month basis.

This counts as the first rise in six months, so we're looking at a significant turnaround.  The NRF views it as especially significant in light of the Cash for Clunkers program sucking up so much money at the same time, too.  (Auto sales aren't included in the retail industry tally.)

"Shoppers were a bit more comfortable digging into their wallets last month, and retailers are hopeful that we've turned a corner," stated Rosalind Wells, the NRF's chief economist.  "It is encouraging to see some momentum building as retailers anticipate the all-important holiday season."

Clothing and accessory stores seemed to do best moving from July into August.  Sporting goods, hobby, book, and music stores were next on the list, followed by electronics and appliance stores.  Health and personal care stores managed to see some gains, as well.

Let's hope these trends persist and turn the holiday season into a very happy one for small businesses.