Retail sales slow in April after a spending splurge as Americans sought to front-run tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumers spent slightly more at retail stores last month after ramping up their shopping in March to get ahead of tariffs. Sales at retail stores and restaurants rose just 0.1% in April from March, the Commerce Department said Thursday. That is much lower than the previous month’s 1.7% gain, which reflected a surge in car sales as consumers sought to get ahead of President Trump’s 25% duty on auto imports that went into effect this month. Last month’s tiny increase after the March surge makes it harder to get a clear read on consumer spending trends…