Mumbai, March 9 -- A report released by the Commerce Department on Friday showed a modest decrease by retail sales in the U.S. in the month of January.
The Commerce Department said retail sales slipped by 0.2 percent in January after coming in unchanged in December.
The dip by retail sales partly reflected a decrease in sales by motor vehicles and parts dealers, which slid by 0.9 percent in January after edging down by 0.2 percent in December.
Excluding auto sales, retail sales remained flat in January after coming in unchanged in in December. Ex-auto sales were expected to inch up by 0.1 percent.
The report showed steep declines in sales by department stores, health and personal care stores, gas stations and clothing and accessories st...