NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers slowed their spending in June from May, but excluding business at the gas pump, shoppers showed resilience despite ongoing economic uncertainty as they bought cars and took advantage of summer sales events.Retail sales rose 0.2% in June, after being up a revised 1% in May, according to the Commerce Department’s report released on Thursday. Outside of gas stations, retail sales rose a robust 0.7%, according to the report.The government figures aren’t adjusted for inflation so last month’s decline in gas prices pulled down the overall retail sales figure.Business at gas stations fell 5.3% last month. Meanwhile, sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were up 1.9%, according to the report. Elsewhere, shoppers were selective in their buying, given the fading benefits of generous government tax benefits, which propelled spending earlier in the spring. Business at clothing and accessories stores as well as at miscellaneous retailers both slipped 0.3%, while sales at department stores rose 0.1%.
Online sales rose 1.9%, fueled by spending surrounding Amazon’s Prime Day event, which was held from June 23 through June 26. Business at sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument and book stores was up 1.3%, likely helped by spending around the World Cup.The data offers only a snapshot of consumer spending and doesn’t include activities like travel and hotel stays. The lone services category – restaurants – registered a 0.1% increase.
