Retail sales fall 1.2% in September | MarketWatch | 15 Oct 2008

Sales were weak in September in almost all kinds of stores. Excluding the 3.8% drop in auto sales, retail sales fell 0.6%.  Sales were weak in September in almost all kinds of stores. Excluding the 3.8% drop in auto sales, retail sales fell 0.6%.
In a separate report, the Labor Department said producer prices fell 0.4% while core prices rose 0.4%. See full story.
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 Demand for consumer durables was weak in September. Sales at furniture stores dropped 2.3%, while sales at electronics and appliance stores fell 1.5%. Sales at hardware stores fell 0.6%.
Soft goods didn't fare any better. Sales at general merchandise stores fell 0.4%, including a 1.5% drop at department stores. Sales at clothing stores fell 2.3%.
Sales of leisure-time goods, such as books and sporting goods, fell 1.1%.
Sales at food stores and restaurants fell 0.5%.
Sales rose 0.1% at gasoline stations. Sales increased 0.4% at health and personal care stores.
Sales at nonstore retailers, such as catalog and online stores, fell 0.8%.

Cheaper gas tugs on retail sales | CNNMoney | 13 Oct 2008

The Census Bureau reported that retail sales fell 0.4 percent in September, following a revised 0.1 percent rise in August. Economists surveyed by Briefing.com had forecast a 0.2 percent rise in sales.

But gasoline station sales fell 9.3 percent in the month compared to August, as gasoline prices fell sharply. Excluding what was spent at gasoline stations, retail sales rose 0.6 percent in the month.

Just about every class of retailer measured by the government report, except for food and beverage stores and auto dealers, saw improved sales in September. Spending at clothing and clothing accessory stores led the way with a 3.0 percent gain, while general merchandise stores, such as department stores, posted a 1.1 percent rise over August.

Is this meaningless  bullshit?  Do I watch it like a rube, like I would stare at the bearded lady in a side-show?

Now where's the fun in that! - Megatron