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Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US retail sales slow in June amid tariff fears
Retail sales in the United States rose modestly in June, reflecting growing uncertainty among consumers over potential new tariffs and persistent economic pressures. According to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, overall sales increased by just 0.05% from May and 1.46% compared with the same month last year. The report, developed by the National Retail Federation and CNBC, tracks real-time data across multiple retail categories. June's figures point to a continued slowdown in consumer spending as shoppers weigh the impact of inflation and possible trade disruptions. Core retail sales—which exclude fuel, food services, vehicles, and other non-core categories—rose 0.09% from the previous month and 2.37% year-over-year. However, this growth was weaker than in previous months. Sales in general merchandise, apparel, and electronics all showed either minimal increases or outright declines. 'While consumers are still spending, they are doing so at a more cautious pace,' said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. He noted that spending behaviour reflects current anxieties around tariffs and overall price sensitivity. Online and other non-store sales increased by 0.49% month-over-month and 17.92% year-over-year, highlighting a continued shift toward e-commerce. Grocery and beverage stores also saw an uptick in June, with a 0.27% monthly rise and a 2.55% annual increase. The slowdown in spending appears tied to rising concerns about potential new tariffs, particularly on imports from China. The NRF has warned that additional trade restrictions could increase prices for everyday consumer goods, prompting more cautious household budgets. Retailers are already signalling the potential impact of tariffs on back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons. Kleinhenz said uncertainty around trade policy is weighing on both retailers and consumers, leading many to postpone discretionary purchases. Consumer sentiment has also been affected by interest rates and broader economic indicators. Although inflation has slowed compared to its peak, it remains a key factor influencing shopping patterns. The data revealed mixed results across retail sectors. Health and personal care sales declined 0.21% in June but were up 5.78% from last year. Clothing and accessories dropped 0.16% month-over-month and 1.32% year-over-year, suggesting consumers may be holding off on non-essential purchases. Furniture and home furnishings fell by 1.12% on a monthly basis and by 4.67% annually, one of the steepest declines recorded. In contrast, sporting goods and hobby stores posted modest growth of 0.09% in June and 0.71% over the year. The NRF Retail Monitor differs from the US Census Bureau's retail sales report by using anonymised credit and debit card data to provide a more immediate snapshot of consumer activity. The Census Bureau is scheduled to release its June retail data on 16 July. As trade tensions continue and inflationary pressures persist, the outlook for retail spending remains cautious heading into the second half of the year. Navigate the shifting tariff landscape with real-time data and market-leading analysis. Request a free demo for GlobalData's Strategic Intelligence . "US retail sales slow in June amid tariff fears" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US retail sales rise in April as consumers rush to avoid tariff hikes
Retail sales in April showed a marked increase, with consumers advancing their purchases to avoid higher prices expected to come with tariffs, according to the latest data from the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions. This surge in spending comes despite economic uncertainty driven by tariff-related concerns. Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation (NRF), stated that spending continued to rise in April, with many consumers accelerating their buying behaviour in anticipation of higher prices. The NRF highlighted that despite some dip in consumer confidence, the fundamentals for consumer spending remained strong, underpinned by low unemployment rates, steady income growth, and solid household finances. Consumers are evidently motivated to make purchases now, fearing potential price hikes or shortages when tariffs eventually take effect. In terms of total retail sales, which exclude automobiles and gasoline, figures rose 0.72% seasonally adjusted on a month-over-month basis and 6.76% unadjusted year-over-year in April. This follows a more modest increase in March of 0.6% month-over-month and 4.75% year-over-year. Core retail sales, which exclude restaurants, automobile dealers, and gasoline stations, grew 0.9% month over month and 7.11% year over year in April. Sales growth in April was evident across most retail sectors, with notable increases in digital products, electronics, and grocery stores. The digital products category saw a significant rise, with sales up 0.62% month over month and an impressive 27.67% year over year. Electronics and appliance stores experienced a 2.8% monthly increase and a 10.5% year-on-year rise. Meanwhile, grocery and beverage stores saw a 0.59% monthly increase and a 9.51% rise compared to April 2024. Sporting goods, hobby, music, and bookstores also enjoyed solid growth, increasing by 0.81% month over month and 9.19% year over year. Health and personal care stores recorded a 1.43% rise month over month and an 8.51% increase year over year. A slight decline was observed in some categories, such as general merchandise stores, which were down by 0.02% month over month, although they still saw a 6.67% rise year over year. In contrast, building and garden supply stores experienced a 2.77% increase month over month but a 2.1% decrease year over year. While April's retail sales figures are encouraging, analysts suggest that ongoing tariff concerns could continue to shape consumer behaviour in the coming months. Many consumers appear to be adjusting their spending patterns to stay ahead of potential price increases, a trend that may persist as the impact of tariffs becomes clearer. Retailers will need to navigate this shifting landscape as economic uncertainty lingers and consumer priorities evolve in response to changing costs. Navigate the shifting tariff landscape with real-time data and market-leading analysis. Request a free demo for GlobalData's Strategic Intelligence . "US retail sales rise in April as consumers rush to avoid tariff hikes" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
