Consumer Indicator
Retail Sales (Monthly Change)
Updated 2026-03-17 · Monthly · Source: U.S. Census Bureau · Next release: 2026-04-16
Historical Trend
| Date | Value |
|---|---|
| 2026-03 | -0.2% |
| 2026-02 | 0.2% |
| 2026-01 | -0.9% |
| 2025-12 | 0.4% |
| 2025-11 | 0.7% |
| 2025-10 | 0.4% |
| 2025-09 | 0.4% |
| 2025-08 | 0.1% |
| 2025-07 | 1.0% |
What This Means for Business
Retail sales declined 0.2% in the latest report, following a weak January (-0.9%). Excluding autos and gas, the picture is slightly better. For executives in retail and consumer goods, the data suggests consumers are pulling back on discretionary purchases while maintaining spending on essentials. E-commerce continues to gain share of total retail sales.
About Retail Sales
Retail sales measures the total receipts of retail stores, covering purchases of durable and nondurable goods. It is a timely indicator of consumer demand and is closely watched for signs of economic strength or weakness.
Methodology
The Census Bureau surveys approximately 5,500 retail firms monthly. The advance estimate is released about two weeks after the reference month. Data covers stores but not services (restaurants are included, but healthcare, housing, and financial services are not). Results are seasonally adjusted.
Related Indicators
Frequently Asked Questions
Does retail sales include online shopping?
Yes. Retail sales includes both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce sales. The Census Bureau also publishes a separate quarterly e-commerce estimate. Online sales currently represent approximately 16% of total retail sales, up from 11% pre-pandemic.