Winners and losers from the November retail sales report

U.S. retail sales climbed more than expected in November, with a 0.7% month-over-month increase. Core retail sales were up 0.2% vs. +0.4% consensus and +0.2% in October.

The nonstore retailers category dazzled with 1.8% month-over-month and 9.8% year-over-year growth for the month. Those numbers did not include the Sunday after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, which fell this year on the calendar into December. The print backs up other data indicating that Amazon (AMZN), Etsy (ETSY), Wayfair (W), Chewy (CHWY) and other online sellers may put up strong holiday numbers.

The grocery stores category was up 1.7% year-over-year in a read that could be positive for the pricing power of Kroger (KR), Albertsons Companies (ACI), and Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM).

The clothing & clothing accessories store category (-0.2% M/M, +2.2% Y/Y) surprised to the upside. Mall chains American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), Urban Outfitters (URBN), and Gap (GAP) may have benefited from an early start to the holiday shopping season.

The closely watched electronics store category (+0.3% M/M, +1.2% Y/Y) was solid in a read-through for Best Buy (BBY).

The auto dealers category jumped 2.8% month-over-month and 7.0% year-over-year in an indication of strength for Carvana (CVNA), AutoNation (AN), CarMax (KMX), and Lithia Motors (LAD).

The category that includes home improvement purchases showed a 0.4% month-over-month boost and 4.1% year-over-year increase in a positive sign for Home Depot (HD) and Lowe’s Company (LOW) that consumers may be more interested in projects with interest rates lower.