WASHINGTON -- Consumer spending at retail outlets fell again last month, as the recession continued to batter key parts of the economy.

Retail sales fell 1.8% in November, the fifth consecutive monthly decline, the Commerce Department reported today. Last month's figures were 7.4% less than those in November 2007.

In October, retail sales fell 2.8%.

Total retail and food sales in November were $355.7 billion

November's numbers showed a 2.8% drop in automobile sales (a 25% decline from November 2007) and a 2% drop in all other types of retail sales (an 8% decline from November 2007).

Sales fell or experienced slight increases in almost all of the retail categories measured. The largest declines were at gasoline stations, which saw a decline of 14%, triggered by falling prices.

Other retail sectors experiencing declining sales included building/garden supplies (1.2%), non-store retailers (1.3%) and miscellaneous retailers (.08%)

The two categories with the largest growth were electronics/appliance stores and sporting goods/hobby/bookstores, both of which saw increases of 2.8%

Sales at department stores, general; merchandise stores and restaurants increased

2.1%, 1.2% and .2%, respectively.