WASHINGTON – April retail sales did not quite meet expectations Friday, rising 0.4%, with March upgraded to a positive in revision.
April retail sales were 4.5% above a year earlier and the latest three months were ahead 4.7% over the comparable period for the year.
April sales less autos rose 0.3%, two-tenths less than expected, and motor vehicle sales were up a healthy 0.7% despite manufacturers' results which were up only slightly. All numbers were adjusted for seasonal variations.
Otherwise the beginning of the second quarter saw mixed results among the retail sectors, with electronic shopping at the top, with a 1.4% increase.
A core measure of sales excluding the volatile elements of autos, gasoline, food services and building materials turned in a lackluster 0.2% increase after the stronger March number which rose 0.7%.
Electronics and appliance stores were also among the strongest performers, with a 1.3% increase, following by building materials and garden stores, up 1.2%.
Health and personal care rose 0.8%, restaurants and bars rose 0.4%, and department stores nearly flatlined, up just 0.2%.
Among the decliners were general merchandise outlets, down a half percent, furniture and home furnishing, also off a half percent and food sales, which dropped 0.3%.
