January retail sales drop 0.4%

WASHINGTON — Retail sales fell 0.4% in January as cold weather slowed shopping and auto buying.

Economists had forecast a 0.1% increase, according to a survey by FactSet.

Sales of motor vehicles and parts fell 2.1% last month from December.

Excluding sales of motor vehicles and parts, sales were flat, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

December sales were revised down to a drop of 0.1% from a previously-reported gain of 0.2%.

Among the retailers posting gains in January were building materials and garden equipment stores, up 1.4%; gasoline stations, up 1.1%; and electronics and appliance stores, up 0.4%.

The government reported sales fell 1.4% for sporting goods stores, 0.9% for clothing stores; and 0.6% for both furniture stores and health and personal care retailers.

Contributing: The Associated Press.