U.S. retail sales edged higher in April, marking a seventh consecutive month of growth despite persistent inflation and higher gasoline prices, according to new data from the National Retail Federation.
Core retail sales, which exclude restaurants, auto dealers and gas stations, increased 0.34% month over month in April and climbed 5.53% year over year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.
That compared with gains of 0.41% month over month and 7.05% year over year in March.
Total retail sales, which include restaurants but exclude automobile dealers and gasoline stations, also rose 0.34% from March and were up 5.73% year over year. In March, total sales increased 0.4% month over month and 6.59% annually.
For the first four months of 2026, total retail sales were up 6.07% year over year, while core sales increased 5.99%.
Sales increased across nearly every retail category in April, with furniture and home furnishings stores the only sector to post a monthly decline.
Clothing and accessories stores led growth among major categories, with sales rising 0.59% month over month and 9.75% year over year.
Related Story
Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were up 0.12% from March and 8.55% annually, while health and personal care stores rose 0.45% month over month and 8.42% year over year.
Digital products, including electronic books and games, posted one of the strongest monthly gains, rising 1.11% from March and 8.09% year over year.
General merchandise stores saw sales increase 0.15% month over month and 6.19% annually, while electronics and appliance stores rose 0.16% from March and 4.03% year over year.
Grocery and beverage store sales increased 0.36% month over month and 3.21% year over year.
Furniture and home furnishings stores slipped 0.06% from March, though sales remained up 2.58% year over year. Building and garden supply stores rose 0.09% month over month but declined 2.74% annually.
Unlike the survey-based retail sales figures published by the U.S. Census Bureau, the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor uses anonymized credit and debit card transaction data compiled by Affinity Solutions and does not require monthly or annual revisions.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
