US retail sales fall more than expected in May

ANKARA

US retail sales fell more than expected in May, according to figures released Tuesday by the Census Bureau.

Retail sales came in at $620.2 billion, down 1.3% from the revised level of $628.7 billion in April. Analysts expected a 0.8% decline on a monthly level.

The figure, however, was 28.1% higher compared to May 2020.

"Clothing and clothing accessories stores were up 200.3% from May 2020, while food services and drinking places were up 70.6% from last year," the agency said in a statement.