The Associated Press reported sluggish sales to end the holiday season in November and December.
A report, issued by the Commerce Department on Tuesday, showed retail sales were flat in November going into December, when business was up 0.6%.
Economists were expecting a 0.4% increase for December.
Sales in June rose 1%, 0.6% in July and August, rose again in September 0.1% and fell 0.1% in October.
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The retail sales figures, not adjusted for inflation, showed that many types of businesses posted declines.
The report was delayed more than a month because of the 43-day government shutdown.
