by Reported 1.2% gain is the lowest percentage monthly year-over-year increase so far this year
WASHINGTON — Furniture store sales rose again in September, albeit at the slowest pace of the year, according to recently released figures from the Department of Commerce.
September sales totaled $11.4 billion, up 1.2% from $11.3 billion in September 2024. They also were up .6% from $11.35 billion in August.
Overall, retail sales totaled $733.3 billion, up 4.3% from $703.3 billion in September 2024 and up .2% from $727.7 billion in August.
Furniture store sales also were among the slowest growing of all sectors tracked by the U.S. government.
For example, sales at miscellaneous store retailers, including florists, pet stores and religious supply stores, grew 8.2% to $15.1 billion, from $13.9 billion in September 2024. This compared with clothing and clothing accessories stores, up 6.7% to $27 billion from $24.5 billion; restaurants and bars, also up 6.7% to $100.7 billion, from $94.4 billion last year; electronics and appliance stores, up 6.3% to $7.7 billion, from $7.2 billion in September 2024; non-store retailers such as e-commerce specialists and catalogs, up 6% to $127.8 billion, from $120.6 billion last year; and health and beauty stores up 5.6% to $40.6 billion, from $38.4 billion in September 2024.
Also up were motor vehicle and parts dealers, totaling $139.3 billion, from $132.6 billion, a 5.1% increase; gasoline stations, up 3.1% to %52.9 billion, from $51.3 billion; grocery stores, up 2.7% to $85.5 billion; and general merchandise stores, including department stores, up 1.6% to $77.1 billion, from $75.9 billion.
Building materials and garden equipment and supplies dealers were down 2.4% to $40.1 billion from $41.2 billion, and sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument and bookstores were down .2% to $7.95 billion, from $7.96 billion.
The 1.2% increase in furniture store sales marks the 13th consecutive year-over-year gain each month since September 2024, marking an ongoing winning streak for retailers.
However, it also suggests that retailers may not have done as well as hoped during the Labor Day sales weekend from a traffic or sales standpoint. And any boost in sales resulting from tariffs, also could have been dampened by lower foot traffic and lower numbers of purchases.
