Retail Sales Decline in January

Washington, DC, Feb. 12, 2015 -- Retail sales fell 0.8% last month, according to the Commerce Department.

That followed a 0.9% decrease in the prior month. Economists were expecting a 0.4% decline.

Six of 13 major categories showed decreases in January.

Sales dropped 0.5% at automobile dealers.

Sales excluding autos decreased 0.9% for a second month.