US retail sales rose in February even as tariff concerns and severe weather deterred customers.
Revenue rose 0.2% — adjusted for seasonal variation — from the previous month to $722.7 billion, according to data the US Census Bureau released Monday. That rise comes after sales dropped 1.2% to $721.3 billion in January, when spending slowed after the holiday season.
However, the National Retail Federation (NRF), which monitors spending using credit- and debit-card purchase data rather than survey-based numbers, noted that February sales slipped 0.2%.
“Consumer spending dipped slightly again in February due to the combination of harsh winter weather and declining consumer confidence driven by tariffs, concerns about rising unemployment and policy uncertainty,” said NRF CEO Matthew Shay.
Sales were up 3.1% from the previous year, versus a 4.2% rise in January, according to the Census Bureau.
Six of the nine categories the NRF tracks saw year-on-year gains in February. The clothing and accessories segment — which includes jewelry — fell 0.8% compared to January, but it rose 3.8% versus the same period a year ago. Online sales were up 0.5% month on month and 37% year on year. The sporting goods, hobby, music and bookstores category was the only other division to see a monthly improvement.
Image: A crowded shopping mall. (Shutterstock)
