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Retail Sales a 'Mixed Bag' in April
WASHINGTON -- With continued demand for home merchandise but a slight drop in the clothing sector, retailers saw uneven sales growth last month, reports the National Retail Federation. April retail sales were up 9.3% over last April in the category of general merchandise stores, clothing and clothing accessories stores, furniture and home furnishings stores, electronics and appliances stores, and sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores. But April sales in this category decreased 0.5% compared to sales in March. "March sales were strong in almost every sector, but April sales were a mixed bag," said Rosalind Wells, chief economist for the National Retail Federation. "Although stores continue to see strong year-over-year gains, some retailers saw spending dip last month on clothing and general merchandise." According to a report today from the U.S. Commerce Department, total retail sales in April (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) declined 0.5% for the month and rose 9.2% year-over-year. A strong housing market continues to bring good news to retailers, said Wells. Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores were strong in April, rising 0.7% adjusted over March and increasing 10.3% over April 2003, she noted. Electronics and appliance stores also saw growth with sales up 0.8% for the month and 12.3% over last year. Clothing and clothing accessories stores, which fared well in the first quarter, saw sales drop 2% over March, despite an 10.3% increase over last year. The Commerce Department also reported that sales of gasoline rose 13% over April 2003, largely due to higher prices. "The National Retail Federation will continue to monitor the rising cost of gasoline," said Tracy Mullin, president and chief executive officer. "When consumers are forced to pay more at the pump, it affects their spending in other categories." The National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association, representing an industry with more than 1.4 million U.S. retail establishments, more than 23 million employees and 2003 sales of $3.8 trillion. "