Retail Sales Decline in September

Washington, DC, Oct. 15, 2014 — U.S. retail sales fell more than expected in September, following the biggest gain in four months in August, according to the Commerce Department.

The 0.3% decrease in September was worse than the 0.1% decline expected by economists. Most of the decline was due to lower sales of autos, gasoline, furniture and clothing.

In addition, spending on building materials fell 1.1%.

The number isn’t all bad, as falling gasoline prices should leave consumers with more money to spend on other things.