US Retail Sales Slip in July

US retail sales fell in July for the first time since April, when the US Census Bureau resumed reporting data after last year’s two-month government shutdown.

Revenue dropped 0.6% – adjusted for seasonal variation – from the previous month to $763.6 billion, based on data the US Census Bureau released last week. Sales were up 5% from July 2025, while total sales for the May-to-July period improved 6% year on year, the Census Bureau reported.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that retail sales rose for the 10^th consecutive month, as shoppers benefited from summer sales and back-to-school promotions.

“Retail sales maintained their steady upward momentum in July as consumers kept shopping despite ups and downs in other economic indicators,” said NRF CEO Matthew Shay. “Supported by a low unemployment rate and steady wage gains, households remained budget conscious.”

July sales were primarily flat from the previous month and advanced 4.7% year on year, according to the NRF.

Year on year, July’s sales grew in seven of the nine categories the NRF monitors. The clothing and accessories segment – which encompasses jewelry – gained 7% year on year and 0.5% from the previous month. The building and garden-supply stores category fell 1.2% and the sporting goods, hobby, music and bookstores segment dropped 3% year on year.

Image: People at a shopping mall. (Shutterstock)