WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Most U.S. retailers posted strong sales in January, even beleaguered department stores, perhaps a sign that higher consumer confidence since the election has encouraged Americans to spend more for now.

Retail sales rose 0.4% last month following a much bigger gain in December than originally reported, the government said Wednesday. Economists polled by MarketWatch had forecast an 0.2% increase.

Every major retail sector reported higher sales except for auto dealers, whose business tends to tail off after the Christmas shopping season. Auto purchases account for about one-fifth of all retail spending.

If autos and gasoline are excluded U.S. retail sales rose a robust 0.7%, the Commerce Department said.

Outlets such as Best Buy BBY, -1.35% that sell electronics and appliances saw a 1.6% rise in sales, the largest gain in a year and a half. Stores that sell clothing and sporting goods also posted sales gains of 1% or more.

Even department stores, whose sales fell sharply in 2016, got into the act. Department-store receipts surged 1.2% in January to mark the biggest increase in more than a year.

Americans also spent more of their paychecks eating out, another clue that they are more confident compared to several months ago. Sales at bars and restaurants advanced 1.4%.

One negative was a 2.3% spike in sales at gasoline stations, reflecting an increase in energy prices that’s pinching consumers. That’s the second big increase in a row.

Although gas prices are still relatively low, they have been on the rise. Higher gas prices could depress sales at other retailers if they continue to drift upward. Real hourly pay of U.S. workers are flat over the past year, mostly reflecting higher inflation stemming from the rebound in energy costs.

Internet and other “nonstore” retailers, meanwhile, reported no change in sales, though it’s still the fastest-growing part of the industry.

In December, U.S. retail sales were revised up to 1% from 0.6%.