New data from CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor reveals seven consecutive months of retail growth in the U.S. The report shows total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.34 percent seasonally adjusted month over month and 5.73 percent unadjusted year over year in April, according to the Retail Monitor. That compared with increases in March of 0.4 percent month over month and 6.59 percent year over year. The Retail Monitor calculation of core retail sales (excluding restaurants in addition to auto dealers and gas stations) was also up 0.34 percent month over month in April and 5.53 percent year over year. That compared with increases in March of 0.41 percent month over month and 7.05 percent year over year. Total sales were up 6.07 percent year over year during the first four months of the year, and core sales were up 5.99 percent. The report stated April sales were up in all but one of nine categories on a yearly basis, led by clothing stores, sporting goods stores, and health and personal care stores, and were also up in all but one category on a monthly basis.