US retail sales up just 0.1 pct. after previous strong gain

Still, auto sales fell 0.8 per cent last month, and clothing stores sales plunged 1.7 per cent, the steepest drop in 18 months, though that figure mostly reflected lower-priced clothing rather than declining demand.

Retail sales are closely monitored by economists because they provide an early read on consumer spending, which drives about two-thirds of economic activity.

Sales at gas stations jumped 1.7 per cent, an increase that reflected higher prices at the pump. Excluding gas stations, retail sales slipped 0.1 per cent, the first decline since January.

Sales increased at electronics and appliance stores, sporting goods stores, restaurants and bars, and a category that includes online and catalogue retailers. Online and catalogue sales have jumped 10.4 per cent compared with a year earlier, a much larger increase than the 6.6 per cent rise in overall sales.

There are other signs that consumers are optimistic and prepared to spend. Americans borrowed more in July, increasing credit card debt and student and auto loans — a sign of confidence in their ability to repay the debt.

Retailers expect a solid winter holiday shopping season and are announcing plans to ramp up their hiring of seasonal staff. Target said this week that it plans to hire 120,000 temporary workers, 20 per cent more than last year.

The economy expanded at a robust 4.2 per cent annual rate in the April-June quarter, the strongest growth in four years. That growth was lifted by solid consumer spending, which increased 3.8 per cent.

Analysts forecast growth will slip in the current July-September quarter to a still-healthy 3 per cent annual pace.

Christopher Rugaber, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

US retail sales up just 0.1 pct. after previous strong gain

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