U.S. Retail Sales Spiked 9.8% In March, The Largest Gain In 10 Months

In March, retail sales in the U.S. surged by nearly 10% following a 3% decline the previous month, marking the largest increase since May of the previous year. This spike was driven by Americans spending their $1400 stimulus checks. Additionally, employers added 916,000 jobs, indicating signs of economic recovery as the vaccine rollout progresses.

What was the retail sales trend in the previous month before March?

When was the last time a similar increase in retail sales was recorded?