Retail Sales Off 1.3% in February

Washington, DC, March 14, 2006– Retail sales fell 1.3% in February for their sharpest decline in six months, according to the Commerce Department estimated Tuesday.

Excluding autos, sales fell 0.4%. Excluding gasoline, sales decreased 1.3%. Excluding gasoline, sales decreased 1.3%.

The sales declines were widespread across most kinds of retail outlets, including autos, gasoline, furniture and clothing stores.

Economists were expecting a drop during the month of 0.8%. Excluding autos, sales were in line with economists expectations.