PURCHASE, NY—The Experience Economy is real, according to thelatest SpendingPulse Report fromMasterCard Advisors. Spending is up—but likelynot at stores.

Retail sales rose 4.6 percent year-over-year inJuly, the highest increase since October 2012. But the highestincreases were in lodging,airlines and restaurants.Retail stores, grocery andautomotive, on the other hand, continue tostruggle.

"By and large, the U.S. economy has shown signs of positivegrowth over the last few months, especially as weather in most ofthe country improved," said SarahQuinlin, senior vice president, Market Insights forMasterCard Advisors in the announcement. "Positive economic statistics such as new job hiring aregiving consumers more confidence that the recovery is a reality.This confidence is seen in people taking vacations and dining out.They're choosing to truly 'experience' the rebound."