WASHINGTON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales unexpectedly rose in August as a decline in receipts at auto dealerships was more than offset by strength in online purchases, suggesting that the economy remained on solid footing through much of the third quarter.

Key Takeaways Retail sales increased by 0.1% in August, bucking economist projections of a decline but slowing down from July’s pace.The sales report is the last major release before the Federal Reserve's policy-setting committee makes an interest rate decision on Wednesday.

Americans spent a bit more at retailers last month, providing a small boost to the economy just as the Federal Reserve considers how much to cut its key interest rate.