WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales increased less than expected in September, suggesting consumer fatigue amid higher prices because of tariffs, though the moderation did not dampen economists’ expectations for solid economic growth in the third quarter.

The sales slowdown reported by the Commerce Department on Tuesday followed a long stretch of gains and marked a weak handoff to the fourth quarter. Economists said a sluggish labor market, characterized by an unemployment rate at a four-year high, was making consumers more selective about purchases.

That development was reinforced by a survey from the Conference Board showing consumer confidence sagged to a seven-month low in November, with fewer households planning to buy motor vehicles, houses and other big-ticket items over the next six m

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