Consumers spend, therefore they are.

From Marketplace.

I'm Sir Rebenachore, in for David Brunkaccio.

Consumer spending is the engine of the U.S. economy and we are getting a picture of just

how spendy consumers are feeling.

Government data out yesterday showed spending is strong, rising a better than expected

7.10% in July.

But actual second quarter results from some big retailers are showing a more nuanced picture

Marketplace's Henriette reports.

So far, large retailers' financial results from the second quarter are a decidedly mixed

bag.

This morning, Target reported a 5% decline in overall sales.

Its online business did even worse, dropping 10%, and the company lowered its expectations

for the rest of the year, predicting sales will continue to fall.

But discount retailer TJ Maxx posted a 6% increase in sales today, which it says was driven

by an uptick in customer traffic.

Walmart will report tomorrow.

Amazon also reported strong sales growth earlier this month and says its prime day discounts

attracted large numbers of customers in July.

Home Depot meanwhile reported a slight year over year decline this week.

As consumers pulled back on larger items like appliances, instead focusing on smaller

home improvement projects.

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