WSHINGTON (Dispatches) - Retail sales in the U.S. unexpectedly have fallen in June for a second straight month, which could temper expectations of a strong acceleration in economic growth in the second quarter.
The Commerce Department said retail sales fell 0.2 percent last month, weighed down by declines in receipts at service stations, clothing stores, and supermarkets.
Americans also cut back on spending at restaurants and bars, as well as on hobbies. May's retail sales were revised to show a 0.1 percent dip instead of the previously reported 0.3 percent drop.
Retail sales rose 2.8 percent year-on-year in June.