US retail sales plunged by the most in almost two years in January -- a bigger drop than forecast and one that follows an unexpected uptick in inflation that President Donald Trump has vowed to tame.

Sales plummeted 2.8% last month at auto dealers and slumped at furniture stores, home and garden centers. Even in the usually strong online retail sector saw a 1.9% decline. Sales rose at general merchandise stores, a category that includes big retailers like Walmart and Target, and at restaurants and bars.

Retail sales fell 0.9% in January, the steepest drop in nearly two years, as consumers were held back by California wildfires, unusually frigid conditions, and uncertainty around the outlook for tariffs.