U.S. retail sales unexpectedly declined 0.2% (±0.5%) to $513.4 billion in April, missing the consensus forecast and lower than the forecast range. Year-over-year, retail sales are still 3.1% (±0.7%) higher than in April 2018.
| Prior | Prior Revised | Consensus Forecast | Forecast Range | Actual | |
| Retail Sales – M/M ∆ | 1.6 % | 1.7 % | 0.2 % | -0.1 % to 0.6 % | -0.2 % |
| Retail Sales less autos – M/M ∆ | 1.2 % | 1.3 % | 0.7 % | 0.2 % to 1.1 % | 0.1 % |
| Less Autos & Gas – M/M ∆ | 0.9 % | 1.1 % | 0.4 % | 0.0 % to 0.5 % | -0.2 % |
| Control Group – M/M ∆ | 1.0 % | 1.1 % | 0.4 % | 0.0 % to 0.5 % | 0.0 % |
Total sales for February 2019 through April 2019 were up 3.0% (±0.7%) year-over-year and the February 2019 to March 2019 period was revised from +1.6% (±0.5%) to +1.7% (±0.2%).
Retail trade sales were down 0.2% (±0.5%) from March 2019, but are still 2.8% (±0.5%) higher than last year. Nonstore retailers were up 9.0% (±1.2%) from April 2018, while sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, and book stores were down 8.5% (±2.6%) year-over-year.
