U.S. retail sales unexpectedly down in December
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The Commerce Department said on Friday retail sales slipped 0.1 percent after an upwardly revised 0.4 percent gain in November.
Auto sales were unchanged after rising the prior month.
Core retail sales previously were reported to have advanced 0.6 percent in November. Economists had forecast them rising 0.3 percent last month.
Auto sales were unchanged after rising the prior month. Receipts at service stations fell 1.1 percent after decreasing 1.3 percent in November.
Sales at clothing stores dropped 0.9 percent as unusually warm weather hurt sales of winter apparel. Sales at online retailers edged up 0.3 percent and receipts at sporting goods and hobby stores rose 0.9 percent.
Sales at electronics and appliance outlets fell 0.2 percent. Receipts at building materials and garden equipment stores rose 0.7 percent likely boosted by warm temperatures. Furniture store sales gained 0.9 percent. ■