Washington, DC, March 14, 2006-- Retail sales fell 1.3% in February for their sharpest decline in six months, according to the Commerce Department estimated Tuesday.
Excluding autos, sales fell 0.4%. Excluding gasoline, sales decreased 1.3%. Excluding gasoline, sales decreased 1.3%.
The sales declines were widespread across most kinds of retail outlets, including autos, gasoline, furniture and clothing stores.
Economists were expecting a drop during the month of 0.8%. Excluding autos, sales were in line with economists expectations.
