• Retail sales increased 1.6% from February to March
• February was reported at $355.5 billion
• March was reported $363.2 billion

U.S Census Bureau Report:

“The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for March, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $363.2 billion, an increase of 1.6 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month and 7.6 percent (±0.5%) above March 2009. Total sales for the January through March 2010 period were up 5.5 percent (±0.3%) from the same period a year ago. The January to February 2010 percent change was revised from +0.3 percent (±0.5%)* to +0.5 percent (±0.3%).”

This graph shows the monthly retail sales.

Graph Source: www.calculatedriskblog.com

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• Retail sales increased 0.3% from January to February
• Jan was reported at $354.3 billion
• February was reported at $355.5 billion

U.S Census Bureau Report:

“The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for February, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $355.5 billion, an increase of 0.3 percent (±0.5%)* from the previous month and 3.9 percent (±0.5%) above February 2009.”

This graph shows the monthly retail sales.

Graph Source: www.calculatedriskblog.com

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However, high unemployment and uncertainty in job security in the U.S. has tightened consumer spending.

Here’s a brief rundown of January sales;

• Retail & Food Services -> 0.5%
• Auto Sales -> -0.1%
• Department Stores -> 1.5%
• Electronic/Appliance -> 1.2%
• Clothing Stores -> 0.3%

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Compared to December 2008 sales were up 5.4%. However, looking at the bigger picture, sales for 2009 declined 6.2% from a year ago that was the largest decline on record since 1992.

Quick break down of sales for December as follows; US Census Bureau News

• Auto Sales –> -0.8%
• Department Store Sales –> -0.8%
• Electronic/Appliance Store Sales –> -2.6%
• Hardware Store Sales –> -0.4%
• Restaurants/Bars –> -0.6%
• Clothing Stores –> -0.6%

“The stage is set for a poor retail sales performance in January for two reasons,” wrote RBS economist Stanley. First, retailers reportedly trimmed their inventories in December, so there’ll be slim pickings for the usual bargain hunters. Second, cold weather in January could deter shoppers, because retailers already have their spring merchandise out on display. No one buys a grill during a cold snap. —- Rex Nutting, MarketWatch

Graph Source: CalculatedRiskBlog.com

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Chart Source: CalculatedRiskBlog.com

Retail sales rose 1.3% for the month of November following a 1.1% gain in October, reinforcing consumer confidence in the market. After the GDP rose 2.8% in the 3^rd quarter Analysts forecasted slow growth for the 4^th quarter and half of the 1^st quarter of 2010. Analysts believe that a double digit unemployment, currently at 10% would weaken consumer spending. Data from the 4^th quarter will be a better indicator to forecast next year. Quick break down of sales for November as follows;

Auto Sales –>  +1.6%

Department Store Sales –> +0.7%

Electronic/Appliance Store Sales –> +2.8%

Hardware Store Sales –> +1.5%

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