U.S. Retailers Get Off To A Sluggish Start In 2020 — Clothing Stores The Biggest Losers

Retail sales in the U.S. rose modestly in January as Americans spent more money eating out and furnishing their homes, but spending was relatively soft at the start of the new year. Retail sales climbed 0.3% last month, the government said Thursday, matching the MarketWatch forecast. About half of the increase last month, however, was generated by home centers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s that sell lots of building supplies to small businesses. Sales were soft in most other segments of the retail industry that largely cater to households. Read more at Market Watch.