By Alan Fein

(AXcess News) New York - Both the National Retail Federation (NRF) and US Department of Commerce agree that winter weather conditions across the United States in February hampered retail sales.  Yet government data showed an increase of 0.3% over January and 4.1% unadjusted year-over-year.

While the Commerce Department's February retail sales figures where low, NRF reported retail sales last month where 1.0 percent seasonally adjusted over January.  Yet in contrast to government data, 1.7 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

"February could be the direct result of cabin fever with consumers eager to get some fresh air and enjoy a day of shopping," said Rosalind Wells, Chief Economist for NRF. "We expect sales increases to continue but high unemployment and other economic factors will restrain consumers' ability to splurge on discretionary items."

According to the National Retail Federation:

Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores increased 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted over January but decreased 1.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Electronics and appliance stores sales rose 3.7 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month but decreased 0.3 percent unadjusted over last year.

Other sectors who had their share of sales increases include clothing and clothing accessory stores whose sales increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 0.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores sales increased 1.2 percent seasonally adjusted from January and 3.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

Not surprising, sales at food and beverage stores also saw solid increases with sales rising 1.3 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 3.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

Retail stocks reacted positively to the news with the Department Stores Composite rising 1.25% to 1125.

Saks Inc. (NYSE: SKS) shares rose 3.26% to trade at $8.24 for a gain of 24 cents after hitting a new 52-week hi of $8.32 earlier.  Macy's (NYSE: M) gained 2.8%, or 59 cents, to trade at $21.65.  Sears Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: SHLD) moved up $1.60 for a gain of 1.57% at $103.22.  TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX) rose 46 cents for a gain of 1.1% at $42.23.  TJX also reached a new 52-week hi of $42.35.  J.C. Penny Co (NSE: JCP) rose 36 cents, or 1.14%, at $30.57, though still a long ways from its prior 52-week hi of $37.21 reached in mid-October of last year.  Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: KSS) rose 35 cents, or 0.66%, at $53.60.

Discount retailer Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) fell 6 cents, or 0.17%, to trade at $35.82 after moving several executives around to new positions.  Also, Thestreet.com identified the discount retail chain as a short target waiting to happen, which may have added to the negative trading range Friday, despite positive retail results for the sector in February.