Latest news with #RetailMonitor
Fibre2Fashion
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
US retail sales show modest growth in April despite tariffs
US' overall retail sales in April rose by 0.1 per cent month-on-month (seasonally adjusted) and 5.2 per cent year-on-year (unadjusted), according to the US Census Bureau. This compares with a 1.7 per cent month-on-month increase and a 5.2 per cent year-on-year rise in March. Shoppers remained engaged in April despite ongoing concerns over tariffs on imported merchandise, according to National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. He noted that while tariffs affected spending decisions, consumer spending remains steady, supported by positive job and wage data, as well as lower energy prices. 'Consumers are still spending despite widespread pessimism fuelled by rising tariffs,' Kleinhenz said. 'While tariffs may have weighed on spending decisions, growth is coming at a moderate pace and consumer spending remains steady, reflecting a resilient economy. The momentum and willingness to spend is being supported by positive data on jobs and wages along with lower energy prices.' US shoppers stayed engaged in April despite tariff concerns, with retail sales up 0.1 per cent month-over-month and 5.2 per cent year-over-year. Core sales rose 5.1 per cent year-over-year. NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz noted that while tariffs affected spending, consumer spending remained steady, supported by positive job and wage data and lower energy prices. April's core retail sales as defined by NRF — based on the census data but excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants — were down 0.1 per cent seasonally adjusted month-over-month but up 5.1 per cent unadjusted year-over-year. Core sales were up 3.4 per cent year-over-year on a three-month moving average and up 3.8 per cent for the first four months of the year, NRF said in a press release. Last week, the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, reported that core retail sales were up 0.9 per cent seasonally adjusted month-over-month in April and were up 7.11 per cent unadjusted year-over-year. That compared with an increase of 0.4 per cent month-over-month and 5.07 per cent year-over-year in March. As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on retail sales each month and also forecasts annual retail sales and spending for key periods such as the holiday season each year. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)
Fibre2Fashion
13-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
US retail sales jump in April, shoppers rush to beat tariff price hike
US retail sales rose in April as consumers advanced their purchases to avoid anticipated price hikes linked to upcoming tariffs, according to the latest CNBC/National Retail Federation (NRF) Retail Monitor data. Clothing and accessories store sales rose by 1.14 per cent month over month (MoM) and increased by 5.14 per cent year over year (YoY), unadjusted. Alongside tariff-related buying, the YoY comparison was positively influenced by the timing of Easter, which fell in April this year instead of March as it did in 2024, the NRF said in a media release. US retail sales rose in April as consumers advanced purchases to avoid expected tariff-driven price hikes. Total sales grew 0.72 per cent MoM and 6.76 per cent YoY, while core sales rose 0.9 per cent MoM and 7.11 per cent YoY. Clothing led gains, rising 1.14 per cent MoM. NRF cited strong household finances and pre-tariff buying as key drivers. Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, increased by 0.72 per cent MoM on a seasonally adjusted basis and by 6.76 per cent YoY unadjusted. This marked a stronger performance than in March, when sales rose by 0.6 per cent MoM and 4.75 per cent YoY. Core retail sales, which exclude restaurants, automobile dealers, and gasoline stations, climbed by 0.9 per cent MoM in April and 7.11 per cent YoY. These figures also improved from March's gains of 0.4 per cent MoM and 5.07 per cent YoY. For the first four months of 2025, total sales rose by 5.08 per cent YoY, while core sales grew by 5.5 per cent. Additionally, category-wise, furniture and home furnishings sales increased by 0.86 per cent MoM and 0.09 per cent YoY; general merchandise stores were flat on a monthly basis but recorded a 6.67 per cent YoY gain; and digital product sales were up 0.62 per cent MoM on a seasonally adjusted basis and increased by 27.67 per cent YoY, unadjusted. 'Despite declines in confidence caused by the economic uncertainty that has come with tariffs, consumer fundamentals remain intact, supported by low unemployment, slower-but-steady income growth and solid household finances. Consumers maintain their ability to spend and have strong reasons to spend now before tariffs can drive up prices or cause shortages on store shelves,' said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US March sales edge up amid tariff concerns, policy uncertainty
The Census Bureau reported that retail sales in March climbed by 1.4% seasonally adjusted from the previous month and saw a 4.6% unadjusted increase compared to the same period last year. This performance outpaced February's modest gains of 0.2% month-over-month and 3.5% year-over-year. National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said: 'Retail sales strengthened in March, supported by continued solid growth in income, lower energy costs and bigger-than-usual tax refunds that all helped support household budgets. 'However, there is no question that the consumer is not feeling great given the confusion of policy announcements from Washington. On-again, off-again rising tariffs and resulting turmoil in the stock market and world economy are clearly impacting consumer concerns about higher prices and future consumer spending growth.' Core retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and eateries, were up by 0.6% seasonally adjusted from the prior month and rose by 3.4% unadjusted year-over-year. On a three-month moving average, core sales ascended by 2.6% compared to the previous year. These findings align with NRF's projection that core retail sales will expand by 2.7% to 3.7% in 2025 relative to 2024. Recently, the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, revealed that core retail sales in March increased by 0.4% seasonally adjusted from the preceding month and escalated by 5.07% unadjusted year-over-year. This contrasted with February's slight decline of 0.22% month-over-month and a rise of 4.11% year-over-year. The data from the Census and Retail Monitor capture consumer expenditure following the declaration of tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico by US President Donald Trump in February. These figures precede the announcement made on 2 April, where he proposed a minimum tariff of 10% on all US trading partners and introduced extensive "reciprocal" tariffs targeting numerous countries. Although these reciprocal tariffs are on hold for a period of 90 days, there have been subsequent tariff declarations, leaving the trade environment in a state of continual change. Recently, the US fashion sector expressed its support of the temporary pause in tariffs, however it wants a more definitive and extensive strategy to reinstate stability and cost-effectiveness across the global fashion supply chain. An NRF survey conducted in March revealed that nearly half of consumers (46%) were pre-emptively purchasing appliances, clothing, and other goods in anticipation of higher prices due to tariffs. Hackett Associates and NRF recently forecasted a 20% drop in US import cargo volumes in the second half of 2025 (H2 2025) just before the President Donald Trump administration announced a 90-day pause on "reciprocal" tariffs with the exception of China. "US March sales edge up amid tariff concerns, policy uncertainty" was originally created and published by Just Style, 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
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumer Spending Rebounds in March, But Will It Last?
U.S. retail sales grew in March after two straight months of declines, in an apparent stocking up by Americans to beat looming tariff-related price hikes. Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, in March were up 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from February, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. That compares to month-over-month sales decreases of 0.22 percent in February and 1.07 percent in January. More from WWD Financial Stress Hits Americans Hard, Driving Focus on Literacy and Affects on Health Tariffs, Inflation and Rising Debt: The Perfect Storm Pressuring U.S. Consumers and Small Businesses Inflation and Shifting Consumer Trends Reshape U.S. Office Supplies Market in 2024 The Retail Monitor also reported March retail sales rose 4.75 percent unadjusted from March 2024, and that for the first three months of 2025 total sales were up 4.52 percent from the same period a year ago. Core sales, which excludes restaurants, automobile deals and gas stations, were up 4.96 percent for the first three months of this year from the same period in 2024. But the recent retail bounce back is not likely to last for long, with economists and retail analysts raising the possibility of a recession this year, amid tanking consumer sentiment and the spectre of tariffs. There is also confusion over what tariffs implemented by the Trump administration will stick or be rescinded, furthering anxiety among the populace. As consumer sentiment further drops, Americans will be more inclined to squirrel away savings rather than spend. The University of Michigan's closely watched monthly surveys of hundreds of consumers have shown sentiment nosediving this year. The National Retail Federation was hardly jumping for joy over the March bounce back in sales. 'Retail sales increased in March but only moderately, and the spending came before the president's 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement,' NRF president and chief executive officer Matthew Shay said in a statement. 'The pullback we've seen the past few months comes despite strong economic fundamentals. A major factor appears to be driven by the uncertainty caused by tariffs. March's increase is partly the result of stocking up to get ahead of tariffs. With the economic outlook unclear and the situation fluid, consumer sentiment is weakening, and many consumers are shifting disposable income into savings.' U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico in February and a minimum 10 percent tariff on all U.S trading partners on April 2 along with sweeping 'reciprocal' tariffs on dozens of countries, which have been suspended for 90 days. Additional tariffs on China have resulted in a trade war between the two countries. Before the April 2 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement, a survey conducted for NRF by Prosper Insights & Analytics found 46 percent of consumers said they were stocking up on household appliances, clothing and other items in early March because they were worried they would become more expensive because of tariffs. Getting granular, the Retail Monitor reported clothing and accessories stores were up 0.76 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted, and up 2.37 percent year-over-year unadjusted, while digital products were up 0.79 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 27.62 percent, year-over-year unadjusted. Health and personal care stores were down 0.44 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted but up 5.39 percent year-over-year unadjusted. General merchandise stores were up 0.48 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 7.62 percent year-over-year unadjusted. In addition: Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were unchanged month-over-month seasonally adjusted but up 6.63 percent year-over-year unadjusted. Electronics and appliance stores were down 0.29 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted but up 5.94 percent year-over-year unadjusted. Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.65 percent month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 3.05 percent year over year unadjusted. The Retail Monitor uses credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions and does not need to be revised monthly or annually. Best of WWD Macy's Is Closing 66 Stores in 2025 — Here's the List, Live Updates Inside the Demise of Lord & Taylor COVID-19 Spikes Elevate Retail Concerns
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US clothing sales inch up in March amid tariff concerns
Despite this growth, the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor suggests consumers maintained a cautious approach to spending, largely due to apprehensions about escalating tariffs. The report explains the spending patterns observed in March occurred after US President Donald Trump's declaration of tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico in February. This led to the overall US retail sector showing moderate growth following two consecutive months of decline. The figures preceded the announcement made on 2 April when Trump declared at least a 10% tariff on goods from all US trading partners, coupled with extensive reciprocal tariffs on numerous countries. Although these reciprocal tariffs are currently on a 90-day hiatus, while additional levies on Chinese goods have led to increased tensions between China and the US. NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said: "Retail sales increased in March but only moderately, and the spending came before the president's 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement. 'The pullback we've seen the past few months comes despite strong economic fundamentals. A major factor appears to be driven by the uncertainty caused by tariffs. March's increase is partly the result of stocking up to get ahead of tariffs. With the economic outlook unclear and the situation fluid, consumer sentiment is weakening, and many consumers are shifting disposable income into savings.' A survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics for NRF revealed that in early March, 46% of consumers were purchasing items like household appliances and clothing pre-emptively due to concerns that prices would rise from tariffs. The report, powered by Affinity Solutions and published by the National Retail Federation (NRF), said total retail sales excluding automobiles and gasoline rose by 0.6% month over month after seasonal adjustment and surged by 4.75% year over year without adjustment Core retail sales, excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants, increased by 0.4% month over month and by 5.07% year over year in March. The first quarter of the year saw total sales grow by 4.52% year over year, with core sales rising by 4.96%. Yearly increases were noted across various categories, with digital products, general merchandise stores, and sporting goods/hobby/music/book stores leading the growth, according to Retail Monitor. Earlier this month (April), the US fashion sector expressed its support for the temporary pause in tariffs, however it said a more definitive and extensive strategy is needed to reinstate stability and cost-effectiveness across the global fashion supply chain. "US clothing sales inch up in March amid tariff concerns" was originally created and published by Just Style, 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.
