Retail sales in US post small gain in face of numerous economic troubles

Retail sales in the United States managed a small increase in October as consumers struggle to cope with a steep slump in housing, tighter credit conditions and soaring energy costs.

The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that retail sales edged up 0.2 percent in October compared to the previous month. It was the weakest showing since a 0.1 percent rise in August and represented a significant slowdown from a 0.7 percent jump in September sales.

The weakness last month reflected a 0.5 percent drop in sales at department stores, where merchants were hurt by a warmer-than-normal October which depressed sales of winter clothing.

Retailers are …