U.S. retail sales were stronger than expected during July as consumers flocked to shopping malls to escape the summer heat.

Sales increased by a seasonally adjusted 1.4% from the previous month, the U.S. Commerce Department said Friday.

The increase was the largest since January, when sales leaped 3.0%.

Economists had forecast retail sales to rise 0.9% in July.

June sales fell by 0.4% — revised down from a previously estimated 0.1% dip.

The 1.4% climb in July retail sales gives the U.S. economy a strong third-quarter start.

Auto and parts retail sales in July increased by 3.1% as carmakers seeking to clear away 2006 models offered aggressive incentives to entice customers. June auto sales had fallen 2.5%.

Outside the auto sector, all other retail sales also surged, up 1%.

With high prices lifting the value of receipts, gas station sales increased by 2.5% last month after rising 0.8% in June. Stripping away sales at gas stations, demand at all other retailers was up 1.3% in July. Excluding both autos and gasoline, all other retail sales rose 0.7% in July. Demand excluding gas and autos was flat in June.

Abnormal heat throughout the U.S. pushed Americans into air-conditioned shopping malls, analysts say. Humid high temperatures were also seen boosting sales of summer clothing and other seasonal merchandise.