U.S. Retail Sales Flat in January

U.S. retail sales were flat in January after surging 1.2 percent in December, the U.S. Commerce reported Wednesday.

Auto and parts sales fell 1.3 percent in January, after increasing 1 percent in December, the department said.

Retail sales other than at auto and parts dealers climbed by 0.3 percent, down from December’s 1.3 percent increase. Economists had expected a 0.4 percent January increase.

Gas-station sales fell by 0.7 percent after December’s 3.6 percent climb, the department said.

Excluding gas-station sales, January retail sales were up 0.1 percent.

Removing the auto and gasoline sectors, retail sales increased 0.5 percent.

Apparel-store sales rose 1 percent, sales at furniture stores and building-material and garden stores climbed 0.8 percent.

Restaurant and bar sales fell 0.7 percent and electronics and appliance sales fell 1.2 percent, the department said.