Appliances, apparel push US retail sales up 1.2%; but slowdown likely

Americans increased their retail purchases by 1.2 per cent in July, with solid gains in appliances and clothing helping restore sales to their level before the viral pandemic erupted in March.

Sales at retail stores and restaurants have now risen for three straight months, after plunges in March and April, when the pandemic shuttered businesses and paralysed the economy.

Still, much of the spending was fueled by government aid that had put more money in people's pockets but has since expired. With Americans' income now likely shrinking, economists expect a drop in spending and a potential weakening of growth.

Friday's