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NEW YORK -- Shoppers slowed their spending in June from May, as they spent less to fill their gas tank because of falling gas prices.
But the report, released by the Commerce Department on Thursday, showed consumers' continued resilience despite ongoing economic uncertainty as they bought cars and took advantage of summer sales events.
Retail sales rose 0.2% in June, after being up a revised 1% in May, according to the report.
Outside of gas stations, retail sales rose a solid 0.7%, according to the report.
The government figures aren't adjusted for inflation so last month's decline in gas prices pulled down gas station sales and thus the overall retail sales figure.
Business at gas stations fell 5.3% last month. Meanwhile, sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers rose 1.9%, helped by aggressive manufacturers' incentives, according to the report.
Elsewhere, shoppers were selective in their buying, given their worries about the economy and fading benefits of generous government tax benefits, which propelled spending earlier in the spring.
Business at clothing and accessories stores as well as at miscellaneous retailers both posted small declines, And sales at retailers that sell big-ticket items were mixed, with business at furniture and home furnishings merchants flat, while electronics and appliance stores showing a small increase for June.
Among the bright spots: online sales rose 1.9%, fueled by spending surrounding Amazon's Prime Day event, which was held from June 23 through June 26. Business at sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument and book stores was up 1.3%, likely helped by spending around the World Cup tournament.
The data offers only a snapshot of consumer spending and doesn't include activities like travel and hotel stays. The lone services category -- restaurants -- registered a slim 0.1% increase.
The so-called control group -- which excludes food services, autos, building materials and gas station sales and is used to calculate economic growth--rose a solid 0.5%.