US retail sales rose in September as back-to-school shopping continued.
Revenue advanced 0.8% – adjusted for seasonal variation – from the previous month to $745 billion, according to data the US Census Bureau released last week. Sales were up 6% from September 2025, while the July-to-September period also saw a 6% year-on-year increase.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported sales improved for the 12th consecutive month, even as rising gas prices strained consumers’ budgets. The NRF monitors spending using credit- and debit-card purchase data rather than survey-based numbers,
“Retail sales rose again last month as consumers continued to spend following a solid back-to-school shopping season,” said NRF CEO Matthew Shay. “Households remain budget conscious, concentrating on everyday essentials even as higher gasoline prices continue to absorb a larger share of family budgets.”
Sales in September were relatively unchanged from the previous month, with a 0.3% rise, and climbed 4% year on year, according to the NRF.
Year on year, September’s sales grew in 10 of the 11 categories the NRF monitors. The clothing and accessories segment – which encompasses jewelry – gained 2.2% year on year and 0.5% from the previous month. The furniture and home-furnishings category was the only sector to see a drop – down 2.7% year on year.
Image: People shopping. (Shutterstock)
