Retail sales in the US rose 0.3%, the first increase in two months as the third-coldest winter on records began to lift. Economists had predicted a rise of just 0.2%.

Heavy snowfall caused disruption across America but contributed to a rise in building materials and garden equipment such as snow shovels.

Sales of cars and spare parts rose 0.3%, helping to offset a 0.2% fall in sales at electronics and appliance stores. Meanwhile, furniture stores reported sales up by 0.4%, while clothing store sales climbed 0.4% after falling 1.8% the previous month.