WASHINGTON – U.S. consumers increased their spending at retail businesses in December, buying more autos, furniture and clothing. Steady job growth and lower gas prices kept consumers shopping for the holidays, despite worries about potentially tax increases.

The Commerce Department said Tuesday that retail sales rose 0.5 percent in December from November, slightly better than November's 0.4 percent increase and the best showing since September.

A 1.6 percent jump in sales of autos and auto parts led all categories. Car companies closed out their best sales year since 2007.