Exclusive U.S. nonstore monthly sales estimates from Digital Commerce 360. Total retail sales grew 5.0%, according to Internet Retailer’s analysis of Commerce Department figures.

U.S. retailers’ nonstore sales reached $69.40 billion in November on a non-adjusted basis, a 12.1% increase compared with $61.93 billion in the same month of 2017, new monthly data from the U.S. Commerce Department shows. The sales estimates are preliminary figures and may be adjusted.

The November nonstore sales growth is slightly lower than the year-over-year increase in October, which was 13.4%. Nonstore sales mainly take place online but also include other channels, such as mail and telephone orders, door-to-door sales and sales through vending machines.

The Commerce Department only reports e-commerce sales on a quarterly basis. The agency will release its fourth quarter and full year e-commerce sales results on Feb 20.

Total retail sales reached $334.70 billion in November on a non-adjusted basis, up 5.0% from $318.68 billion a year earlier, according to Internet Retailer’s analysis of Commerce Department figures. These figures factor out goods not normally purchased online, including food services, gasoline and automobiles.

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These results suggest strong retail and e-commerce spending this holiday season. “Consumers have the capacity and confidence to spend this holiday season,” NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said, citing the influence of stronger employment, improved wages, tax cuts and increased net worth. “This is a good start to the holiday season and consistent with our outlook. Consumer spending remains solid and clearly provides evidence that the economy is healthy as we head into 2019.”

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