Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 14, 2011. The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released retail sales data for June 2011. Retail sales increased 0.1 percent, stronger than private-sector expectations of a 0.2-percent decline. Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales were unchanged, matching private-sector expectations. Sales at gasoline stations declined 1.3 percent, largely due to a May-to-June drop in gas prices.
“Despite significant headwinds both at home and abroad that have been weighing on American consumers, today’s data show that their spending continues to grow,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “Gas prices eased in June, and that will help consumers in the coming months. But one of the most important and urgent things we can do for the economy and job creation is to show the American people that we can still do big things in Washington by reaching an agreement on a balanced approach to deficit reduction that addresses our fiscal challenges while still investing in our future growth.”
Source: commerce.gov
