Retail sales at U.S. stores fell 1.8% in November, with sales down sharply for motor vehicles and gasoline station sales, data released Friday by the Commerce Department showed.
Sales excluding the 2.8% drop in motor vehicles and parts sales were down 1.6%, while sales excluding both motor vehicles and gasoline rose 0.3%. Gas station sales fell 14.7% after a 12.9% drop in October.
The remaining categories were mixed, with rebounds in the holiday-related categories of department stores, clothing, electronics, and sporting goods. The home-related categories were mixed, with building materials posting another decline, but furniture sales were up modestly.
— Market News International
