Americans stepped up their spending at retailers last month in the latest sign that healthy consumer spending is driving the economy’s steady growth.

The U.S. Commerce Department says consumers boosted their spending last month, signaling continued growth in the nation's economy.

U.S. retail sales increased slightly more than expected in October as households boosted purchases of motor vehicles and electronic goods, suggesting the economy kicked off the fourth quarter on a strong note.

A mix of factors contributed to the uptick, as people bought more cars and home store sales went up as storm damage in the Southeast got fixed. It's a good sign for the holiday shopping season.

American shoppers have spent more than expected so far this fall at retail establishments and restaurants. U.S. retail and food-service sales rose 0.4% in October from September in seasonally adjusted terms to $718.