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U.S. retail sales advanced in July by the most this year, with widespread gains from department stores to building materials outlets that signal a robust start to consumer spending in the third quarter, according to Commerce Department figures released Aug. 15.

Retail sales unexpectedly dropped for a second month in June, signaling consumers are providing only modest support for the U.S. economy, Commerce Department data showed July 14.

Amazon.com Inc.’s third annual Prime Day event turned out to be the biggest day ever for the e-commerce giant, with sales surpassing traditional retailing blowouts like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.