U.S. retail sales edged down 0.1% on an adjusted basis to $492.01 billion in February from a revised $492.34 billion in January, largely due to lower sales at gasoline stations and motor vehicle and parts dealers.
The U.S. Census Bureau said the 0.3% decrease for January was revised to a decline of 0.1%.
Excluding motor vehicle and parts, retail sales increased 0.2% in February from the previous month.
Sales at gasoline stations, motor vehicle and parts dealers, furniture and home furnishings stores, health and personal care stores and general merchandise stores decreased from the previous month. Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers reported higher sales in February.
Retail sales increased 4.0% in February from a year earlier.
