Retail sales unexpectedly weaken in April

• April Retail Sales: 0.0% M/M vs. +1.0% consensus and +10.7% prior (revised from +9.8%).
• Rises 51.2% from the pandemic-stricken April 2020 figure.
• For some context, total sales for the February 2021 through April 2021 period increased 27.1% from the same period a year ago.

• Retail trade sales slipped 0.3% from March, but increased 46.1% Y/Y.  Clothing and clothing accessories stores surged 726.8% from April 2020, while food services and drinking places increased 116.8% Y/Y.
• Core Retail Sales: -0.8% M/M vs. +0.8% consensus and +9.0% prior (revised from +8.4%).
• Ex-Auto & Gas: -0.8% M/M vs. +0.7% consensus and +8.9% prior (revised from +8.2%).
• Control: -1.5% M/M vs. +0.1% expected and +7.6% prior (revised from +6.9%).