us 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 salesa measure of spending at stores online and in restaurantsrose a seasonally adjusted 09 in april from the prior month the commerce department said tuesday retail sales arent 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