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

Sales at building material, garden equipment and supplies dealers increased a solid 1.3 percent seasonally adjusted from April but decreased 12.8 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores sales dipped 0.8 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and decreased 2.6 percent unadjusted over April. Sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores jumped 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month, but decreased 8.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year.