Despite rising interest rates and concerns about a faltering economy, consumers showed surprising strength by driving retail sales in September to levels well beyond expectations. According to the Commerce Department’s advance report, retail sales rose 0.7% on the month, exceeding the 0.3% Dow Jones projection. Gas station sales aided the headline number, climbing 0.9% as pump prices increased. The month’s sales increases were spread out, with sellers of miscellaneous stores experiencing the most significant increase—a 3% jump. Online sales increased 1.1%, while dealers and auto parts had 1% growth, and dining and drinking establishments experienced 0.9% growth. Etsy has released its list of the year’s most popular winter and holiday aesthetics, posing opportunities for small business owners and online retailers in the home goods space to capitalize on popular trends.