Holiday promotions spurred spending in November, with retail sales increasing 5.1 percent unadjusted over last year and 1.2 percent seasonally adjusted from October, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

November retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (including non-general-merchandise categories such as automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 6.9 percent unadjusted over last year and 1.2 percent seasonally adjusted from October.

"Consumers started the holiday shopping season with a bang, taking advantage of significant deals," NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells said in a statement released today. "Though November sales were strong, consumers have saved plenty of holiday shopping for December."

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