Sales at U.S. retailers sank a record 16.4 percent in April after coronavirus lockdowns shuttered much of the economy, the federal government reported on Friday. Retail sales fell in every category except online shopping. Sales also sank by a revised 8.3 percent in March, marking the worst back-to-back declines in modern American history.
Apparel was hit the worst: Sales dropped a stunning 79 percent at clothing stores, falling from $22.1 billion in February to $2.4 billion in April. Grocery stores, which had benefited from consumer stockpiling in March, posted a 13 percent decline in sales.
Receipts fell by 60 percent at electronics stores, 59 percent at furniture stores, 30 percent at bars and restaurants and 15 percent at pharmacies. Sales at auto dealers fell more than 12 percent, and gas stations saw a 29 percent plunge in sales.
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