Money | retail sales Why June's Falling Retail Sales Matter Because drop marks the first 3-month decline since 2008 By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Jul 16, 2012 8:23 AM CDT Copied In this Wednesday, May 30, 2012, photo, shoppers walk through the South Shore Mall in Braintree, Mass. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File) Americans cut their spending at retail businesses for a third straight month, as a weak job market has made consumers more cautious. The Commerce Department says retail sales fell 0.5% in June from May. That followed declines of 0.2% and 0.5% in the previous two months. It was the first three-month decline in retail sales since the fall of 2008, during the height of the financial crisis. Some of the weakness in recent months reflects falling gas prices. But even excluding sales at gas stations, retail spending fell 0.3% in June. Read These Next Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. American Taylor Townsend gets an earful after her US Open win. The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Report an error