WASHINGTON — The start of the crucial holiday shopping season in November helped fuel the sixth straight monthly increase in retail sales. Gift-buying Americans spent more on clothing and electronics, and sales of autos and furniture also rose.

Still, the overall gain of 0.2 percent was the smallest since June.

The higher sales of furniture and autos suggested that consumers made more big purchases in November.

So-called “core” sales, which exclude the volatile categories of autos, gasoline and building materials, rose for an 11th straight month.

Local merchants say results so far for the holiday season have been mixed.

George Koehler runs several businesses in the Dayton Mall, including the Fetch Pet Store and the children’s train, the Koehler Express. He said the crowds are unchanged from previous years but those who come in the doors are spending more money.

“I’d say our average sales are a little higher, but the number of sales are about the same,” Koehler said. He estimated his sales are up about 5 percent.

But some Dayton Mall retailers report sales are down.

“People come in and look but they don’t buy anything,” Mike Sunu, owner of Sunu Collection, a jewelry and upscale gift shop at the mall. “They say the economy is improving ... but we’re seeing 25 percent (fewer sales.)”

The gains reported Tuesday should be put in perspective, said Frank Badillo, a Columbus-based economist and executive with retail analyst Kantar Retail. He said the latest numbers indicate that spending is slowing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.