Sales at American retailers increased slightly more than expected in August, notching their largest gain in five months on strong receipts at gasoline stations and clothing outlets, according to a government report Monday.

The Commerce Department said retail sales rose 0.4 percent last month after a revised 0.3 percent rise in July. It was the second consecutive month of gains in retail sales, which are a measure of consumer health. July sales had been previously reported to have increased 0.4 percent.

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