The International Council of Shopping Centers said on Tuesday that U. S. retail sales rose 0.2 percent in the week ending April 17, and soared compared to a year ago.

The trade group said that compared to the same week a year ago, retail sales surged 4.6 percent.

The report also said that week-to-week sales have risen for five consecutive weeks. Compared to previous years, however, customer traffic soared due to unseasonably warm weather.

Temperatures averaged 5.2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than a year ago and 4.1 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the week's historic average, Weather Trends International said.

According to ICSC, dry weather spurred sales of skincare products, gardening equipment, beverages, ice cream and pest control items.

The report further said that gasoline prices which affect discretionary spending, are up 39 percent from a year ago, reaching an average of $2.86 per gallon during the week. (With Inputs from Agencies)