June retail sales, excluding auto sales, were down compared to sales from the previous month, although monthly retail sales figures for June from the Department of Commerce reported modest growth over June 2009, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) reported.

Overall retail sales declined 0.6% in June, but rose 5% over sales in June 2009. Retail sales excluding auto and auto part sales slipped 0.1% in June, but showed gains of 4.4% over the previous year.

"Although there is no question that the economy and the retail industry are in a considerably better place today than a year ago, retailers continue to face strong economic headwinds, limiting the industry's short-term growth," said RILA President Sandy Kennedy. "Persistent high unemployment continues to drag down retail sales further dampening hopes of meaningful near-term growth.

Department store sales grew by 1.1%, while home improvement, home furnishing and sporting goods retailers all saw declines of 1% or more. Electronics and appliance stores lead all other retail segments in June with a 1.3% increase in sales. The same segment realized a growth of 7.3% over June of 2009.

Today's retail sales follow the recent U.S. Department of Labor report that despite adding 83,000 private-sector jobs in June, the economy shed 125,000 jobs as 225,000 temporary census jobs were eliminated.

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