California Business Minute™

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

The Commerce Department reported that U.S. retail sales fell 1.2 percent to
$362.5 billion in May from April.  However sales were 6.9 percent higher than
from May 2009.

Retail business that fell during the month included Department Store sales which
decreased by 1.8 percent along with clothing stores which registered a 1.3 percent
decline.

In addition decreasing sales were seen in gasoline stations which dropped by 3.3
percent and sales at home improvements by 9.3 percent. Also sales decreased in
general merchandise stores.

Growth in sales was seen in electronics stores and home appliances by 0.6 percent
along with sporting goods and hobby shops by 0.4 percent. Additionally, increases
were seen in food and beverage stores and home furnishings and with health and
personal care.

 "May retail sales results represent a reminder of the uncertainty that still exists
in the economy," said Matt Shay, chief executive of the National Retail Federation,
a trade group. "The road to recovery is paved with caution."

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.