Sales at U.S. retailers declined in March for a second month, hurt by fewer purchases of automobiles, Commerce Department data showed April 14.

U.S. retail sales in February posted the smallest gain in six months, indicating a tempering of the consumer spending that’s been carrying the economy.

Sales at U.S. retailers accelerated in December on the heels of stronger demand for motor vehicles, capping a year of improvement for the nation’s merchants.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose less than forecast in November, representing a pause in spending after robust gains in the previous two months.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose in October more than forecast in a broad advance after an even stronger September than initially estimated, showing consumers continue to pump up the economy.

Retail sales climbed in September by the most in three months, showing American shoppers began to spend freely again after shying away from merchants earlier in the quarter.

Sales at U.S. retailers dropped more than forecast in August, indicating a pause in recent consumer-spending strength that has carried the economy.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose more than forecast last month in a broad advance that shows consumers delivered for the economy in the second quarter.

Retail sales rose more than forecast in May, showing consumer spending will help boost economic growth in the second quarter.