Retail sales have slowed in recent months.
In March, core retail sales, which excludes gasoline stations, motor vehicle parts and dealers and building materials declined at a 1.8 percent annual rate, following a 3.3 percent increase in February and a 0.2 percent increase in January (monthly changes not pictured).
In sum, the increase in core retail sales over this three-month period was 0.55 percent. Total retail sales increased at an annual rate of 2.2 percent over the same three-month period.
Additional detail:
- Retail sales are adjusted for seasonal variation, holidays, and the number of days in a month, but not inflation.