May Retail Sales Drop

Retail sales fell 1.2 percent in May, according to the U.S. Commerce Department, as consumers pulled back their spending on things from cars to clothing.

Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires were expecting a 0.2 percent increase, reports The Wall Street Journal. The sales reversal was the first times sales have dropped since September 2009, when they declined 2.2 percent.

The past few months saw an uptick in sales, with April tallies rising 0.6 percent, while year-over-year sales were up 6.9 percent.

The Commerce Department says sales of autos and parts plunged 1.7 percent in May; excluding autos, all other retail sales fell 1.1 percent. Clothing store sales were down 1.3 percent, while general merchandise sales declined 1.1 percent.

The biggest sales drop reported came in the building material and garden supply store sector, where sales plunged 9.3 percent.

On the upside, furniture sales increased 1 percent and electronic and appliance stores sales rose 0.6 percent. The sporting goods, hobby, book and music sectors saw sales grow 0.4 percent. In the food market, restaurant and bar sales grew 0.1 percent and food and beverage store sales rose 0.3 percent.