Retail Sales

You're going to hear headlines stories of how retail sales are "good" or "improving". Maybe. I'll let you be the judge:

Here's the chart:



While sales were up, they certainly aren't great. Why is this important? Because consumers and their spending are two-thirds of gross domestic product.

Draw your own conclusions .....

Added: California sales seem to be particularly faltering.

Added: The retail sales figures are not adjusted for inflation.