Retail sales fell 0.6% to $55.8 billion in July, the third decrease in four months. The decline was primarily driven by lower sales at food and beverage stores (-3.4%) and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (-7.3%). In July, much of the country continued to implement reopening measures, which eased restrictions on both retailers and services. Sales decreased in 5 of 11 subsectors, representing 38.7% of retail trade. Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and motor vehicle and parts dealers—decreased 1.3%. In volume terms, retail sales decreased 1.1% in July. Amid the ongoing ... (full story)