According to the Commerce Department, retail sales rose 0.1% in October, after no change in September, and by 1.7% compared with October 2014.
Economists had forecast a rise of 0.3% for October.
There was a surprise 0.5% fall in sales at car dealerships, after a 1.4% increase in September.
Robust car sales have underpinned overall growth in retail sales for the past two years.
The amount US shoppers spent online continued to rise, with online sales 7.1% higher than in October 2014.
However, sales during the run-up to Christmas will prove to be the real test of consumer confidence.
Fears about the level of consumer spending prompted department store chain Macy’s to cut its profit outlook for 2015 by 10% on November 11.
The revision sent Macy’s shares tumbling almost 20% this week.
Rival department store operator Nordstrom also cut its full-year forecast on November 12, resulting in a similar slide in its shares.
At least 158 people have died in Spain's worst flooding disaster in generations. On October…
Google has been fined two undecillion (a two followed by 36 zeroes) roubles by a…
Embarking on a home remodel is an exciting journey, promising enhanced comfort, increased property value,…
The US presidential candidates continued to campaign across key swing states on October 20. Footage…
Elon Musk has said he will give away $1 million a day to a registered…
India and Canada have decided to expel their top envoys along with other diplomats as…