MNI DATA IMPACT: US December Retail Sales +0.3%, Meeting Expectations>

--Retail Sales Ex. Motor Vehicle +0.7%; Ex. Mtr Veh and Gas +0.5% 

By Ryan Hauser

     WASHINGTON (MNI) - The value of retail sales climbed 0.3% in 

December in line with market expectations and driven by a spike in 

gasoline station sales, driven by a spike in gasoline station sales 

despite weaker auto sales, according to data released Thursday by the 

Commerce Department.

     Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales grew 0.7% after a flat 

reading for November, and the y/y rate rose by 6.3%. Control group sales 

excluding motor vehicle, gasoline station, and building material sales 

increased 0.4%. 

     Here are some of the key takeaways from the data: 

     -  Nonstore retailers, referring to digital stores and mail-order 

purchases, rose by 0.2% in December following a flat reading in 

November. Clothing and accessories sales rose by 1.6% in December, the 

highest increase since March.  

     -  Gasoline station sales also grew 2.8% this month, the highest 

increase since March 2019, continuing the gains from November's 1.0% 

growth. But motor vehicle sales droppeded 1.3% in December, the largest 

decline since January of last year. Sales excluding gasoline and motor 

vehicles were up 0.5% following a 0.2% decline in November. 

     -  Electronics and appliance stores saw 0.2% growth in December, 

rebounding after a 0.3% decline in November. 

     -  Food services & drinking places were up 0.2%, rebounding after a 

0.6% decline in November. This was the largest m/m increase since 

September 2019. A high year/year rate underlying monthly changes shows 

4.9% growth. 

     -  Health and personal care stores had a 0.4% increase in December, 

the biggest m/m increase since October 2019. 

              ** MNI Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 ** 

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