Motor vehicle and parts dealers led August’s retail sales increase, rising by 3.5 percent. Sales at new car dealers grew by 4.3 percent, followed by a 2.1 percent increase at used car dealers.
Though other motor vehicle dealers saw a slight decline of 0.3 percent, automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers grew by 0.4 percent, balancing this category.
Gasoline stations and fuel vendors reported a 2.7 percent sales decrease, with volume terms reflecting a 2.1 percent decline.
Following two consecutive months of gains, core retail sales dropped by 0.4 percent in August. This decline was driven mainly by a 1.5 percent decrease at food and beverage retailers, with all store types in this category experiencing lower sales.
Supermarkets and other grocery retailers (excluding convenience stores) led the declines, falling by 1.9 percent. Furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliance retailers saw a 1.4 percent decrease as well.
