SmallBusinessNewz

Retail sales were on the rise in July in at least one sense, according to the latest report from the National Retail Federation.  The NRF recorded an increase of either 3.1 percent or 5.4 percent on a year-over-year basis, depending on which dataset you prefer.

Want to stay conservative and not count a few odds and ends?  The NRF said in a statement, "Retail industry sales for July (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased 3.1 percent unadjusted year-over-year and also declined 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month, according to the National Retail Federation."

Or if you'd like to embrace the bigger number, the NRF also said, "July retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted from the previous month and increased 5.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year."

Either way, that's a marked improvement in the year-over-year department, which should more than balance out the iffier month-over-month numbers.

Also, if you figure that back-to-school shopping should pick up in August, then those stats hint at an even better sales situation this month.

Let's hope that turns out to be the case.  Today's market shouldn't spook parents into not buying stuff for their kids, at least, considering that the Dow and Nasdaq are both up a tiny bit.