Retail sales hold steady in July

The U.S. Census Bureau announced July sales for the retail trade were up 0.1% compared to June 2013, bringing the adjusted estimate to $378.7 billion.

Sales for businesses described as building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (NAICS 444) were an estimated $25.8 billion in the month of July, down 0.4% from last month, but up 7.9% from the year-ago month. 

The biggest gainer on a month-to-month basis, according to the data released Tuesday morning, were sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores (NAICS 451), up 1.0% from June's estimate.

Nonstore retailers were up 8.8% compared to last year.