As expected, retail sales across the U.S. fell in February, but by more than economists generally expected. Retail sales totaled $362.3 billion last month, 1.3% less than in January, the U.S. Commerce Department reported on March 14. Economists had anticipated a decline of eight-tenths of a percentage point, about half the actual figure.
Auto, furniture and electronics sales were all down in February, with autos down nearly 5%.
