Sales tumbled 3% last month, according to data released Tuesday from the Commerce Department.

據商務部週二公佈的數據顯示，上個月銷售量下滑了3%。

The unusual snow storm that battered the South knocking out power across Texas was largely blamed for the much bigger than expected drop.

不尋常的暴風雪襲擊了南方，打掉了整個德克薩斯州的電力，這在很大程度上歸咎於遠大於預期的下降。

Sales were down across the board on a month to month basis, with the biggest declines seen in department stores, sporting goods and other recreational outlets.

銷售額逐月全面下降，其中百貨公司、體育用品和其他娛樂場所的降幅最大。

Even online sales took a hit.

就連網上銷售也受到了衝擊。

But economists expect February's weakness to be short lived now that most consumers are getting $1400 checks as part of the $1.9 trillion stimulus package signed last week by President Biden.

但經濟學家預計，2月份的疲軟將是短暫的，現在大多數消費者都得到了1400美元的支票，這是總統拜登上週簽署的1.9萬億美元刺激計劃的一部分。

Add to that the extension of $300 in extra government benefits for the unemployed and the rollout of vaccines.

再加上政府對失業者額外補貼300元的延長和疫苗的推廣。

Bank rates Ted Rossman.

銀行利率泰德-羅斯曼。

I do think that soon with more stimulus, more health improvements and warmer weather, I think things will be looking a lot better in March and beyond.

我確實認為，很快隨著更多的刺激措施、更多的健康改善和更溫暖的天氣，我認為3月份及以後的情況會好很多。

Getting consumers out and about is key to any economic rebound since consumer spending powers two thirds of all U.

讓消費者走出去是任何經濟反彈的關鍵，因為消費者支出佔美國經濟總量的三分之二。

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