Retail sales decreased 0.2% to $66.6 billion in November. Sales were down in four of nine subsectors and were led by decreases at food and beverage retailers (-1.4%). Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were down 0.6% in November. In volume terms, retail sales decreased 0.2% in November. Core retail sales decreased 0.6% in November, led by lower sales at food and beverage retailers (-1.4%) and general merchandise retailers (-1.8%). Sales at food and beverage retailers were down on lower sales at supermarkets and other grocery retailers (except ... (full story)