US retail sales grew by just 0.1% in April, compared with growth of 1.5% the month before, latest figures from the Commerce Department show.
Consumers cut back primarily on purchases of electronics and furniture.
The slowdown surprised many analysts, who were looking for continued growth after the harsh winter hit spending.
The weak figure may cause concern, as consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of total economic activity in the US.
Excluding sales of petrol and cars, retail sales actually fell by 0.1% in April.
Some have attributed the slowdown to the lack of growth in wages, which have barely increased since the 2008-09 recession.
more : www.bbc.com