US retail sales slide the most in 10 months

High price: Customers shop in an appliance store in Miami, Florida. The fastest inflation in decades is taking a greater toll on consumers, as sales dip. — AFP

NEW YORK: United States retail sales slumped in December by the most in 10 months, suggesting the fastest inflation in decades is taking a greater toll on consumers just as the nation confronts more coronavirus infections.

The value of overall purchases decreased 1.9%, after a revised 0.2% gain a month earlier, Commerce Department figures showed Friday. The figures aren’t adjusted for inflation, suggesting price-adjusted receipts were even weaker than the headline number.