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Electronics, apparel and department stores sectors report positive numbers
June retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) decreased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted over May and increased 3.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation (Washington, D.C.)
The figures released this week by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) dropped 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted over May and increased 4.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
“Today’s data shows consumers continue to take a cautious approach towards shopping,” says NRF president and ceo Matt Shay. “However, growth in key areas such as electronics, apparel and department stores is an encouraging sign as we enter the back-to-school shopping season.”
“Moderate growth these last few months proves that consumer uncertainty remains,” says NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. “A slow-growing economy and high unemployment rates will continue to hinder consumers’ decisions to spend on discretionary items.”
Among the sectors, electronics and appliance stores sales increased 1.3 percent seasonally adjusted from last month while sales at furniture and home furnishing stores declined 1.1 percent seasonally adjusted. Health and personal care stores sales grew 0.5 percent, clothing and clothing accessory stores sales increased 0.6 and department stores saw sales grow 1.1 percent.
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