Retail sales up 0.8% in September, but a big chunk of spending went to paying gasoline bills

NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers showed their willingness to spend in September even after a better-than-expected splurge in August.But a big chunk of their purchases last month went toward paying the bills at the gas pump, according to the Commerce Department's latest snapshot on retail sales released Thursday.Retail sales increased 0.8% last month, after a revised 1.3% gain in August, the Commerce Department said. Economists were anticipating a 0.3% increase for the month, according to FactSet.Excluding business at gas stations, retail sales rose 0.2% in September. The government figures aren’t adjusted for inflation, which accelerated last month as gasoline and many other goods and services became more expensive.In fact, business at gas stations rose 6.4%, according to the Commerce Department's report.Elsewhere, business at furniture and home furnishings stores rose 1.3%, while electronics and appliance stores saw a 0.6% increase. Business at online retailers rose 0.3%, according to the rep