The report said retail sales came in virtually unchanged in December after climbing by 0.6 percent in November.

Excluding a 0.2 percent dip in sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales were still virtually unchanged in December after increasing by 0.4 percent in November. Ex-auto sales were expected to grow by 0.3 percent.

Retail sales came in unchanged even as sales by building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers shot up by 1.2 percent for the second straight month.

The jump was offset by notable decreases in sales by furniture and home furnishings stores, miscellaneous store retailers and clothing and accessories stores.

Core retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, edged down by 0.1 percent in December after rising by 0.2 percent in November.