Consumer Spending in December Edges Up

Washington, DC, Jan. 12, 2012 -- Consumers spending in December was weaker than expected, according to a Commerce Department report.

The government said that overall retail sales rose only 0.1% compared to November -- falling short of forecasts of economists, who were expecting a 0.4% rise.

Excluding auto sales, which were relatively strong in the month, sales fell 0.2%; compared to forecasts of a 0.3% rise.

But there were also declines in some retail categories that typically get a lift from holiday shoppers. The biggest was a 3.9% drop at electronic and appliance stores.

Department store sales also fell 0.2%.