the numbers sales at us retailers rose a scant 03  in february but americans probably bought fewer goods if high inflation is factored in economists polled by the wall street journal had forecast a 04 advance the previously reported 38 increase in sales in january however was revised up to 49 the government said wednesday retail sales are a big part of consumer spending and offer clues on the strength of the us economy households are still buying plenty of goods and services to keep the economic recovery going but in some cases consumers they are just paying more in february the cost of living rose a sharp 08 according to the consumer price index inflationadjusted sales actually fell in february big picture americans have plenty of savings built up during the pandemic and they feel secure in their jobs that’s given them the confidence to spend high inflation is altering their spending plans however and making them think twice about what they buy and how much rising prices could curb economic growth unless they relent soon analysts say market reaction the dow jones industrial average djia and sp 500 spx were set to open higher in wednesday trades stocks surged on tuesday after oil prices sank and a key measure of inflation rose less than expected