Sales declined 0.2 percent on the month but gained 2 percent from 2007, the U.S. Commerce Department said.

Total sales from February through April came in ahead of expectations with a 2.2 percent gain over a year ago.

Sales at the gas pump soared 16.3 percent from a year ago, while sales at food and beverage stores climbed 5.7 percent.

On the month, motor vehicle and auto parts retailers saw a 2.8 percent decline, while electronics and appliance sales increased 1.4 percent, clothing sales gained 0.7 percent and sporting goods sales rose 0.4 percent, the report said.