Retail sales continued their upward climb in April, showing evidence of a much more confident consumer compared to this time last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

April retail industry sales increased 0.5% seasonally adjusted over March and 4.6% unadjusted year-over-year. With a constantly-shifting Easter holiday, retailers typically look at March and April sales combined to gauge consumer spending. Sales for the two months increased 5.6% unadjusted over last year.

April retail sales released by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 0.4% seasonally adjusted over March and 9.3% unadjusted year-over-year.

“The slow road to recovery is turning into a sprint as retailers experienced a nice bounce in April,” said NRF President and CEO Matt Shay. “But maintaining this sales momentum will be challenging. Until our economy begins to create jobs and reduce unemployment, the breadth and sustainability of this recovery remains uncertain.”

“Spring shopping and seasonal weather helped boost sales last month,” said Rosalind Wells, Chief Economist for NRF. “Spending on discretionary items had fallen by the wayside these last few years and we are encouraged to see consumers dipping into that pot once again.”