Although millions of tax rebate checks hit mailboxes in June, consumer spending remained soft last month, with retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increasing just 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted from May and 1.3 percent unadjusted over last year, according to the (NRF). June retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (including non-general-merchandise categories such as automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 1 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

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