With continued demand for home merchandise but a slight drop in the clothing sector, retailers saw uneven sales growth last month.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), April retail sales in the GAFS category-general merchandise stores, clothing and clothing accessories stores, furniture and home furnishings stores, electronics and appliances stores, and sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores-rose 9.3% over last year, though GAFS sales decreased .5% adjusted over March.

"March sales were strong in almost every sector, but April sales were a mixed bag," said NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells. "Although stores continue to see strong year-over-year gains, some retailers saw spending dip last month on clothing and general merchandise."

April 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-declined .5% seasonally adjusted for the month and rose 9.2% unadjusted year-over-year.

The Commerce Department also reported that sales of gasoline rose 13% over last April, largely due to higher prices.

"The National Retail Federation will continue to monitor the rising cost of gasoline," said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin. "When consumers are forced to pay more at the pump, it affects their spending in other categories."

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