Retail sales in the U.S. increased by less than expected in the month of September, according to a long-delayed reported released by the Commerce Department on Tuesday.

The Commerce Department said retail sales rose by 0.2 percent in September after climbing by 0.6 percent in August.

The weaker than expected retail sales growth partly reflected a pullback in sales by motor vehicles and parts dealers, which fell by 0.3 percent in September following a 0.6 percent increase in August.

Excluding the dip in auto sales, retail sales increased by 0.3 percent in September after advancing by 0.6 percent in August.

The report showed a substantial rebound in sales by miscellaneous store retailers, which spiked by 2.9 percent in September after plunging by 2.9 percent in August.

Sales by gas stations also shot up by 2.0 percent during the month, while sales by health and personal care stores jumped by 1.1 percent.

On the other hand, the report showed a 2.5 percent slump in sales by sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument and book stores. Sales by non-store retailers also slid by 0.7 percent.

The Commerce Department also said core retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, edged down by 0.1 percent in September after climbing by 0.6 percent in August.

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