U.S. retail sales unexpectedly rose in August as a decline in receipts at auto dealerships was more than offset by strength in online purchases, suggesting that the economy remained on solid footing through much of the third quarter.

US retail sales increased 0.1% to reach $710.8 billion in August, beating market estimates, according to advance figures released on Tuesday by the US Commerce Department. The estimate was for the figure to show a decline of 0.2%.

U.S. retail sales unexpectedly rose in August, suggesting that the economy remained on a solid footing through much of the third quarter. Retail sales increased 0.1% last month after an upwardly revised 1.