US Retail Sales Continue to Rise in January

US consumer expenditure continued to improve in January, following a record-high holiday-spending spike.

Revenue was up 0.2% compared to December and 6% year on year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said last week.

“Consumers demonstrated continued resilience in January,” said NRF CEO Matthew Shay. “This was the fourth consecutive month that sales rose from the month before, and year-over-year gains were particularly strong. Consumer spending continues to drive the broader economy forward, supported by healthy household finances and real wage gains that have increased purchasing power.” 

January sales improved year on year in eight of the nine categories the NRF monitors. The clothing and accessories segment — which encompasses jewelry — grew 9% compared to the same period in 2025 and was up 0.2% from the previous month. Meanwhile, the building and garden supply category was the only one to see a yearly drop, falling 6% versus last year and down 0.2% month on month.

Retail data from January was not yet available from the US Census Bureau, which is behind on releasing its results due to last year’s two-month government shutdown.

January’s results came after a record-setting November and December holiday season, which saw year-on-year growth of 4.1%, according to Retail Monitor data released last month.

“Retailers are doing their part by leveraging supply chains and new technologies to ensure that products remain affordable for American families,” Shay added.

Image: A woman shopping at a mall. (Shutterstock)