Moderate Retail Sales Gains In April
Due to extreme weather, rising gas prices and an early Easter, April retail sales showed subdued gains. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for April (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) rose 2.6 percent unadjusted over last year and decreased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted from March.
April retail sales released last Friday by the U.S. Commerce Department showed that total retail sales (including non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gas stations and restaurants) decreased 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted from last month and increased 3.1 percent unadjusted over last year.
Sales of building material and garden equipment and supplies were weak with sales down 2.3 percent from March and 3.8 percent over last year. Health and personal care stores saw moderate gains of 0.9 percent from March and an 8.7 percent increase over last year. Clothing and clothing accessories stores sales fell 2 percent seasonally adjusted but rose 2.3 percent unadjusted from last year.
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