Retail Sales Decline in September
Washington, DC, Oct. 15, 2014 -- U.S. retail sales fell more than expected in September, following the biggest gain in four months in August, according to the Commerce Department.
The 0.3% decrease in September was worse than the 0.1% decline expected by economists. Most of the decline was due to lower sales of autos, gasoline, furniture and clothing.
In addition, spending on building materials fell 1.1%.
The number isn't all bad, as falling gasoline prices should leave consumers with more money to spend on other things.