Is there no direct logical correlation between 'Second, the total amount of retail space in the United States has expanded dramatically, even while consumer expenditures on apparel items have declined as a share of total expenditures.' and 'The rate of spending on apparel has declined, but the gross money spent on apparel has increased.', indicating neutrality?
Second, the total amount of retail space in the United States has expanded dramatically, even while consumer expenditures on apparel items have declined as a share of total expenditures.###The rate of spending on apparel has declined, but the gross money spent on apparel has increased.