In October retail sales in the U.S. rose 1.3% and in November sales declined by 0.6%. Neither measure is adjusted for inflation which is over 7% for each month. Let’s forget for the moment inflation is no longer calculated to include the things you need to survive, like food and gasoline. October and November are the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. How much does the federal government have to re-jigger the numbers to keep it from looking like we’re in a recession?
Sales at U.S. retail stores, online sellers and restaurants fell by a seasonally adjusted 0.6% in November from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Thursday. That was a slowdown from October’s robust 1.3% sales increase.
Shoppers spent less on holiday categories including electronics, clothing, sporting goods—both online and at department stores. They spent more on everyday staples such as food and at health-care stores, but also on restaurant meals.
Unlike many government reports, retail sales aren’t adjusted for inflation and can reflect price differences in addition to purchase totals.
November Retail Sales Fell in Biggest Drop in Nearly a Year – WSJ
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