Japanese retail sales declined in July, as a slow-growth environment and negative inflation kept consumers on the sidelines for yet another month. Retail sales fell at an annualized 0.2% in July, following a 1.3% decline the previous month, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported Tuesday. A median estimate of economists called for a 0.9% year-over-year drop. July marked the fifth consecutive monthly decline in retail sales. The last time retail spending registered gains was back in February, when it rose 0.2% on account of an extra leap year day. In a separate report on Tuesday the National Statistics ... (full story)