May's Retail Sales Up Slightly From April, but Significantly Down From Last Year

May retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted over April and decreased 11.1 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

“With no direct stimulus for consumers this year, retailers were left with tougher comparisons, making May retail sales appear weak,” said NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells. “However, a slight sales increase from April provides hope that the economic turnaround may not be that far off.”