Building material, garden equipment and supplies stores sales decreased 1.6 percent seasonally adjusted from February and 9.6 percent unadjusted from last March.
In spite of the weak selling environment, there were still a few bright spots. Health and personal care stores sales rose 2.8 percent unadjusted from last March but decreased 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted from last month.
Sporting goods stores sales also rose 1.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year and 1.4 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month.
National Retail Federation