Retail trade sales were down 0.2% from March 2019 but up
2.8% from last year. Adjusted sales for motor vehicles and parts dealers were
$104.3 billion in April 2019, down 1.1% from March 2019 and up 2.2% from April
2018.
Furniture and home furnishings stores sales were $10
billion, on an adjusted basis, for April. This figure was flat with March and
down 3.1% from the April of last year. Electronics and appliance stores sales
saw declines on both a sequential and year-over-year basis, amounting to $7.9
billion on an adjusted basis.
Adjusted food and beverage stores sales amounted to $63 billion, increasing both on a sequential and year-over-year basis. Clothing and clothing accessories stores adjusted sales were $22.8 billion in April 2019, down 0.2% from March 2019 and up 0.2% from April 2018.
The numbers point to the reduction in spending by American consumers despite healthy employment and wage growth rates. The US economy is facing headwinds from the ongoing trade tensions with China.