Retail Sales Blew Past Wall Street Estimates in January

U.S. retail sales in January jumped 3 percent, blowing past the Dow Jones estimate of 1.9 percent, according to Commerce Department data. 

Here's a quick breakdown: 

In December, sales had fallen 1.1 percent, making for a disappointing holiday season. Sales totaled $697 billion in January, compared to $677 billion in December.

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