Automotive Parts/Tire Stores

Consumers’ retail spending shifted in September as they adjusted to changing costs amid strong inflation and rising interest rates.They spent more on increasingly expensive essentials such as food and less on items with falling prices like gasoline and furniture, according to two government data reports this week. Overall U.S. retail sales—which comprise consumer spending mostly on goods such as furniture, vehicles and groceries but also at restaurants—were unchanged last month from August, after a revised 0.4% gain in…

AutoZone Inc. reported higher sales in its recently ended quarter, as return-to-office mandates pushed Americans to use their cars more and helped fuel demand for repairs. The car-parts retailer on Monday posted sales of $5.35 billion for the fiscal fourth quarter, up about 9% from a year earlier and above Wall Street estimates. The rising price of new cars also has caused drivers to stick with their current vehicles longer, helping drive up sales of car parts needed for repairs and maintenance.…