By Harriet Torry

U.S. shoppers increased retail spending in April for the fourth straight month, taking on higher prices with inflation close to its highest level in four decades.

Retail sales--a measure of spending at stores, online and in restaurants--rose a seasonally adjusted 0.9% in April from the prior month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.

Retail sales aren't adjusted for inflation. That means that while consumers have continued to spend more, they are likely getting less due to rapidly rising prices.

In April, consumers spent more at bars and restaurants, on vehicles, furniture, clothing and electronics. However, they pulled back on spending at grocery stores, on home improvement and sporting goods.

Write to Harriet Torry at harriet.torry@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 17, 2022 09:08 ET (13:08 GMT)