NEW YORK -- Consumers stepped up their purchases in May thanks to warmer weather and falling gasoline prices.

Retail sales advanced a stronger-than-forecast 0.9 percent, following a revised 0.4 percent increase in April, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. Additional support came from tax refund payments issued in April and May, although analysts note that this support is beginning to diminish.

When gas-station sales are excluded, retail sales still grew 0.7 percent.

Apparel and accessories outlets posted a 0.3 percent gain, while home-furnishings and furniture stores rose 1 percent. Electronics and appliance retailers saw sales slip 0.5 percent, and online merchants recorded a 1.5 percent increase.

The latest figures provide only a partial view of household spending and omit categories such as travel and lodging. The sole services segment tracked, restaurants, posted a 0.1 percent drop.

Household spending remains the main driver of U.S. economic expansion. Outlays have held up well this year even as prices climbed and hiring slowed.

Higher fuel costs lifted inflation to a three-year peak, with consumer prices rising 4.2 percent in May from a year earlier, according to data released last week.

Gasoline prices eased about a penny overnight to an average of $4.02 per gallon, down 11 percent from $4.51 a month earlier, motor club AAA reported. The national average has not fallen below $4 since March.

Even with lower pump prices, some analysts expect shoppers to retain certain cost-saving habits developed during the earlier price surge, such as refueling at membership warehouse clubs.

Foot traffic at gas stations operated by chains including BJ's, Costco and Sam's Club picked up noticeably starting in early March, coinciding with the sharp rise in fuel costs, according to R.J. Hottovy of Placer.ai.