consumers continued to spend in february through at a slower pace than expected according to a commerce department report wednesday advance retail sales grew 03 for the month slightly below the 04 dow jones estimate stripping out autos sales were up 02 well below expectations for a 09 increase and indicative that after a rapid pace to start the year consumers were slowing down the spending numbers were well below the rise in prices which increased 08 in february according to labor department data released last week retail spending numbers are not adjusted for inflation the biggest dent in februarys numbers came in online shopping with nonstore sales down 37 one bright spot in the numbers released wednesday is that january spending was revised up to an increase of 49 a blistering pace that was even stronger than the initial estimate of 38 this is breaking news please check back here for updates