U.S. retail sales rose a healthy 0.5 percent in July, the Commerce Department reported yesterday. The report came with one big caveat, though: The government also said sales in June rose a smaller 0.2 percent instead 0.5 percent as originally reported.
That means the increase in July was starting from a lower baseline. On the other hand, retail sales have increased 6.4 percent over the past 12 months, close to the long-run average since 1980.
Clothing stores and restaurants posted a 1.3 percent increase in sales to lead the way in July. Sales also rose 1.2 percent for department stores and 0.8 percent for both Internet retailers and gas stations. Sales fell for home furnishings, pharmacies and stores that sell sporting goods and other hobby-style items such as books and music.
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