June retail trade sales were down 0.6% (±0.5%) from the prior month, but up 5.0%(±0.7%) from June 2009, according to advance reports issued by the U.S. Census Bureau. Retail and food service sales for June slipped 0.5%(±0.5%) from the previous month to $360.2 billion but were up 4.8% (±0.7%) over the year-ago period. Total sales for the April through June 2010 period were up 6.8% (±0.3%) from the same period a year ago. Numbers were adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday trading-day differences, but not for price changes. Non-store retailers sales were up 12.1% (±2.1%) from June 2009 and gasoline stations sales were up 8.8% (±1.8%) from last year.
According to the monthly report, sales at sporting goods, hobby and book & music stores were up 1.5% to $7.08 billion from $6.99 billion versus the year-ago period.
In an associated report, The National Retail Federation said retail sales – excluding autos, gas and restaurants – decreased a fraction of a percent over May, but increased 3.3% over June of last year.
And the U.S. Commerce Department reported sales – including autos, gas and restaurants – decreased a fraction of a percent for the month, but increased 4.9% for year-over-year.
“Today’s data shows consumers continue to take a cautious approach towards shopping,” said Matt Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation. “However, growth in key areas such as electronics, apparel and department stores is an encouraging sign as we enter the back-to-school shopping season.”
Sales in electronics increased 1.3% for the month and 7.6% for the year. Furniture and home furnishing sales decreased 1.1% over May, but increased 2.1% over last year. Monthly clothing and accessory sales increased a fraction of a percent, while yearly increased 6.1%.
