Sales volumes fell 1% over the same period, even as month-on-month figures showed modest gains, the statistics agency reported.
Commerce Department data show the strongest monthly retail sales growth in five months, with a key GDP-related measure jumping 1.4%.
Official data shows a 0.5% monthly increase in sales volumes, defying forecasts of a decline, as heatwave-driven demand for sports gear and cooling equipment boosted spending ahead of the autumn budget
Fresh data show consumer spending growth slowing and investment weakening further, even as industrial output surprised to the upside, adding pressure on Beijing to shore up demand.