WASHINGTON, Feb 15 (Reuters) – Sales at U.S. retailers
increased less than expected in January amid weak receipts at
building material and restaurant outlets, a government report
showed on Tuesday, likely reflecting the drag from snow storms
that slammed large parts of the country during the month.
Total retail sales rose 0.3 percent, the Commerce Department
said, advancing for a seventh straight month. Sales for
December were slightly revised down to growth of 0.5 percent
from a previously reported 0.6 percent.
Economists polled by Reuters had expected retail sales to
increase 0.6 percent last month. Compared to January last year
sales were up 7.8 percent.