Spending at Small Retailers Rose in August

Spending at small businesses rose 6.8 percent in August, beating July’s growth rate and outshining sales at retailers overall, according to a survey released last week by Mastercard and Wells Fargo & Co. The report defines small retailers as having annual sales of less than $35 million and fewer than 200 employees. Total retail sales, including those at larger stores, rose 5.1 percent last month.