Retail Sales Rise 2%, Lower Than Forecast

U.S. retailers’ sales at stores open at least a year rose about 2% in May, less than originally forecast, as consumers shopped at discount chains for everyday needs and put off purchases of sleeveless dresses, air conditioners and other summer gear because of cooler weather.

The forecast from the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd. is lower than the rise of as much as 3.5% projected at the beginning of the month and less than the 5% gain in the same month a year earlier.