Spending cooled in March as Americans pulled back on spending amid smaller tax refunds and worries about the economy.
Retail sales edged down 0.5% in March from February, but were up 4.6% year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation, whose calculation excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants to focus on core retail.
Sales were down in all but three categories — online, sporting goods and health/personal care — on a monthly basis.
Source: Chain Store Age