The National Retail Federation (NRF) announced today that retail industry sales for June rose 6.7% percent over last year and increased .2% seasonally adjusted over May. The number excludes automobiles, gas stations and restaurants.

June retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show that total retail sales-which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants-increased 6.2% unadjusted year-over-year and decreased .2% seasonally adjusted from May.

Book, music, sporting goods and hobby stores showed robust growth, increasing 11.3% unadjusted from last June, while increasing a modest 4% seasonally adjusted.

“After months of speculation, consumers are beginning to pull back,” said NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells. “Retailers can expect the second half of the year to show moderate gains due to the slow down in the housing market and other economic factors such as rising interest rates and higher gas prices.” According to NRF's latest Retail Sales Outlook, retail industry sales in the third quarter are expected to increase 5.5%, followed by a gain of 4.6% in the fourth quarter. Because of the strong first half, even with some deceleration in sales for the balance of the year, industry sales are tracking to a 6% gain for the year.

The NRF is the world 's largest retail trade association, with membership that comprises all retail formats and channels of distribution.