retail sales

The snowy and very cold winter has put somewhat of a freeze on economic activity, but the effects shouldn't hurt most businesses in the long run. Once New Jersey and the rest of the nation begin to thaw, it's expected many affected businesses will see some of their losses recovered.

Cold weather and higher-than-usual amounts of snowfall across much of the country have hampered post-holiday shopping and spending in the beginning of the year.

Cold weather across much of the nation contributed to a drop in retail sales in January. Americans spent less on autos and clothes and at restaurants -- a decline that suggests that momentum from consumer spending at the end of 2013 has tailed off.

Coming on the heels of a healthy, yet modest holiday shopping season and given the fact that many Americans are pinching their pennies, consumers are not quite ready to splurge on gifts for their loved ones this Valentine's Day.

Americans bought more clothes in December, shopped more frequently online and ate out more often, providing a boost to economic growth at the end of the year. But sales at most traditional stores declined, as the holiday shopping season ended on a lackluster note.

Retail sales are expected to grow modestly this holiday season.

It's not even Halloween and already, many of the nation's retailers have rolled out the holiday displays and launched big sales promotions earlier than ever in anticipation of what experts have predicted will be a lackluster holiday shopping season.

Americans spent more during the early spring months in the latest sign that they're encouraged by the economic recovery.

Sales at U.S. retailers fell in March from February, indicating that higher taxes and weak hiring likely made some consumers more cautious about spending.

Americans cut back on spending in February as cold weather and economic challenges chilled their appetite for spring merchandise.