Retail sales are down in January, the Associated Press reported.
Sales fell 0.2% in January, following a flat December, according to the Commerce Department’s report issued on Friday.
January’s figure came in below the forecasts of economists, who were expecting another flat reading, The report was delayed because of the 43-day government shutdown.
A huge part of the sales decline is due to motor vehicles and auto parts dealerships. Gas stations also saw a drop in business.
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Excluding gas stations and auto dealers, retail sales rose 0.3% in January, according to the Commerce Department.
