NEUCHATEL, Switzerland (AFX) - Retail sales increased a nominal 2.2 pct and a real 2.6 pct in 2001 from the year earlier, the Federal Statistics Office said. In 2000, retail sales rose a nominal 2.0 pct and fell a real 0.6 pct from the year earlier. The Federal Statistics Office said the real 2.6 pct rise in retail sales represents the highest growth rate since 1986.