As expected, consumers last month were impacted by severe weather throughout the country, shifting school schedules, and a late Labor Day weekend.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), August retail sales in the GAFS category, which includes clothing, book and music stores, rose 2% over last year but dipped 0.4% over July.

"August represented another notch in a schizophrenic summer for retail sales," said NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells. "Retailers are hoping that fall and winter sales are more consistent and predictable."

August retail sales released today by the United States Commerce Department show that total retail sales, which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants, fell 0.3% seasonally adjusted over July and increased 4.6% unadjusted year-over-year.

Despite the overall decline, several retail sectors saw strong sales in August. Sales at sporting goods, book, hobby and music stores rose 1.4% adjusted over July and 3% unadjusted 2003.

• Prev
• Next