During 2002, real gdp in japan rose about 1.3 percent, but during the same time period, retail sales fell 1.8 percent in real terms. this was made possible a. because of inflation, which lowered consumption and retail sales, but increased the value of gdp. b. due to statistical error. retail sales and gdp always move in the same direction. c. because only inventories increased. d. because the sum total of real investment, government purchases, and net exports grew while consumption, which is measured by retail sales, fell in real terms.