March Retail Sales Down 0.3% from February, But Up 1.7% YOY

Washington, DC, April 13, 2016—Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for March were $446.9 billion, a decrease of 0.3% from the previous month, and 1.7% above March 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau announced.

Total sales for the January 2016 through March 2016 period were up 2.8% from the same period a year ago. The January 2016 to February 2016 percent change was revised from down 0.1% to virtually unchanged.

Retail trade sales were down 0.2% from February 2016, and up 1.3% from last year. Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers were up 10.8% from March 2015, while gasoline stations were down 15.6% from last year.