US Retail Sales Rise Less Than Expected In April

Retail sales in the United States increased by 0.4 percent month-over-month in April 2017, following an upwardly revised 0.1 percent rise in March but missing market expectations of a 0.6 percent gain. The increase was mainly driven by a rebound in sales of motor vehicles and higher receipts at service stations, building material stores and electronics and appliance stores.
US Census Bureau | Joana Ferreira | joana.ferreira@tradingeconomics.com
5/12/2017 12:59:31 PM
9 out of 13 major retail categories showed gains in April while 4 declined.

Motor vehicle sales rebounded by 0.7 percent in April after declining by 0.5 percent in the previous month.

Also, sales at service stations rose 0.2 percent in April, recovering from a 0.4 percent fall in March and those at building material stores went up 1.2 percent after dropping sharply by 1.7 percent. Sales at electronics and appliance stores increased further by 1.3 percent after rising by 2.2 percent in the previous month.

Additional increases were recorded at: Health and personal care stores (0.8 percent from 0.7 percent in March); sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores (0.6 percent from -0.3 percent); miscellaneous store retailers (0.1 percent from -0.4 percent); and nonstore retailers (1.4 percent from 1.1 percent).

By contrast, sales fell at: Clothing stores (-0.5 percent from 1.2 percent in March); furniture and home furniture stores (-0.5 percent from 1.5 percent); food and beverages stores (-0.3 percent from 0.7 percent); and general merchandise stores (-0.5 percent from -0.2 percent).

Excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, retail sales advanced 0.2 percent after rising by an upwardly revised 0.7 percent in March.

Compared to April last year retail sales were up 4.5 percent. 

US Retail Sales Rise Less Than Expected In April



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