Retailers suffered a dismal month in April, with sales of motor vehicles and construction supplies leading the decline, according to figures released this morning by Government.

The Retail Sales Index found that, after being adjusted for inflation, consumer spending in April dropped 10.3 percent compared to the same month last year.

The Department of Statistics estimated that consumers spent $85.7 million in stores, more than $7 million down from the year before. The building material and motor vehicle sectors witnessed the biggest declines at 28 percent and 37 percent, respectively.

* Full story in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette business section.