(CNN)– U.S. consumers cut back on retail spending last month. The Commerce Department says retail sales fell .6% in July from the prior month. That number represents the steepest drop since May of 2025. Economists were projecting a slight gain in July sales. The figures are adjusted for seasona l swings but not inflation. Retail spending has trended down since the Spring as the effects of tax return money fade and higher energy prices cut into people’s paychecks. Categories: News Tags: Commerce Department, retail sales, U.S. Commerce Department, U.S. economy ...read more read less