Thomson Reuters
Economists estimate that retail sales climbed 0.3% month-on-month (0.6% prior), and 0.4% excluding autos and gas.
Meanwhile, Bank of America Merril Lynch economists estimate a 0.8% plunge excluding autos month-on-month, based on the firm's credit card data.
They note that spending typically increases in the back-to-school period during August, but the trend in retail sales this year has been on the decline.
They also think that because Labor Day was a little later than usual this year, school spending may have been pushed into September.
And in a note to clients, Wells Fargo's John Silva said falling gas prices may push down the headline retail sales number.