Disappointment Reigns in the Retail Sector

A look at the year/year change in retail sales (3- month average) shows that since their peak in April 2005, sales have been in a steady downtrend. When we looked at the subgroups of the aggregate number, we found little in the way of bright spots (click here for charts of each group). Practically the only groups showing positive trends are Food and Beverage Stores and Bars & Restaurants.