U.S. retail sales and food services declined slightly in April but gained over the previous year's figures, a government report said Tuesday.

Sales declined 0.2 percent on the month but gained 2 percent from 2007, the U.S. Commerce Department said.

Total sales from February through April came in ahead of expectations with a 2.2 percent gain over a year ago.

Sales at the gas pump soared 16.3 percent from a year ago, while sales at food and beverage stores climbed 5.7 percent.

On the month, motor vehicle and auto parts retailers saw a 2.8 percent decline, while electronics and appliance sales increased 1.4 percent, clothing sales gained 0.7 percent and sporting goods sales rose 0.4 percent, the report said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International


Publication date: 13 May 2008   

Source: UPI-1-20080513-10513200-bc-us-sales.xml

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