WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans increased their spending at auto dealers, restaurants and clothiers in September, but cheaper gasoline prices suppressed overall retail sales growth. The Commerce Department says retail sales rose just 0.1 percent last month, after being unchanged in August. Over the past 12 months, sales have climbed 2.4 percent largely due to demand for cars and meals outside the home. Auto purchases shot up 1.8 percent. Spending at restaurants advanced 0.7 percent, and shopping at clothiers improved 0.9 percent. But spending at gasoline stations plunged 3.2 percent in September because of lower energy prices. Spending at building supply stores also fell for the second straight month, potentially suggesting that housing sales might retreat from the summer’s frantic pace.
