August sales up, but less than expected

August sales rose by 0.3%, less than expected and the biggest decline (0.4%) in almost a year, according to a government report. The numbers exclude automotive sales.

Retail sales excluding cars, parts and gasoline, fell 0.1%, the steepest decline since April. Core retail sales were unchanged in August after a 0.8% gain in July.

Purchases of motor vehicles and parts, which make up around one-fifth of all sales, rose 2.8%, the biggest rise since July of last year. Sales fell 2.4% at gas stations.

Clothing store sales slipped 0.1%, building materials and garden supply store sales fell 1%, and department store sales dropped 0.2%. Sales at food and beverage stores held steady.