After several months of rising energy costs, gas prices have taken their toll on consumers and retailers. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), June retail sales in the GAFS category rose 5.9% over last year and were flat (0.0%) compared to May.

June retail sales released this week by the U.S. Commerce Department show that total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) decreased 1.1% seasonally adjusted for the month and rose 7.6% unadjusted year-over-year.

The most likely source affecting retail sales in June was sales at gasoline stations which, according to the Department of Commerce, rose 22.5% over June 2003, largely due to higher prices.

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