Consumers sharply curtailed their spending in January, indicating a potential weakening in economic growth ahead, according to a Commerce Department report Friday.

In addition to cold weather, the sales decline could in part point to fading consumer confidence as was reflected in a pair of recent surveys by the Conference Board and Universit

U.S. retail sales fell more than expected in January, likely as frigid temperatures kept consumers from automobile showrooms. Retail sales dropped 0.9% last month after an upwardly revised 0.7% increase in December,

U.S. retail sales dropped sharply last month, in part because cold weather kept more Americans indoors and dented sales at car dealers and most other stores