Might retail gross sales fell 1.3% as Individuals spend much less on items

NEW YORK — Retail gross sales fell in Might, dragged down by a decline in auto gross sales and a shift by Individuals to spend extra on holidays and different companies as a substitute of products.

Complete gross sales dropped a seasonal adjusted 1.3% in Might from the month earlier than, the U.S. Commerce Division stated Tuesday. Wall Avenue analysts anticipated a smaller decline of 0.5%.

Economists anticipated retail gross sales to drop final month due to the shortage of vehicles obtainable on the market on account of a worldwide scarcity of chips, that are wanted to energy in-car screens and different options. Gross sales at auto dealerships fell 3.7% final month, in response to the Commerce Division.

One more reason for the lower: As extra folks develop into vaccinated and head out extra, Individuals are spending extra of their cash on haircuts, journeys and different companies that aren’t included in Tuesday’s report. Gross sales fell at furnishings, electronics and residential constructing shops final month.

“Shopper spending progress via the remainder of the 12 months will shift to companies from items,” wrote PNC chief economist Gus Faucher.

Gross sales at eating places rose almost 2%, in response to Tuesday’s report. And people looking for a brand new outfit to exit in helped gross sales at clothes shops rise 3%.