U.S. retail sales jump 7.5% in June, but economy still ails

BALTIMORE — U.S. retail sales climbed a solid 7.5% in June, a sign that the economy was healing right before infections from the coronavirus spiked again and dragged down hopes for a steady recovery.

The Census Bureau reported Thursday that retail sales are 1.1% higher than their levels from a year ago, after a brutal plunge in March and April was offset by a decent rebound in May and June.

The report shows how shoppers and businesses are adjusting to life in a pandemic, changing their habits in hopes of halting an illness that can quickly flare-up and wreak financial havoc.

Non-store sales — which includes online shopping — slumped 2.4% over the past month but are 23.5% higher from a year ago.

Spending at restaurants and bars jumped 20% last month, but it’s still down 26.3% from last year.