U.S. retail sales in January jumped 3 percent, blowing past the Dow Jones estimate of 1.9 percent, according to Commerce Department data. 
Here's a quick breakdown: 
  • Excluding automobiles, retail trade sales increased 2.3 percent from December and 3.9 percent from the year before.
  • Food services and drink sales skyrocketed 25.2 percent from the year before 
  • General merchandise sales were up 4.5 percent from the year before 
In December, sales had fallen 1.1 percent, making for a disappointing holiday season. Sales totaled $697 billion in January, compared to $677 billion in December.