by Sector was still among the slowest growing segments tracked by the monthly survey
WASHINGTON — Furniture store sales were one of the slowest growing areas tracked by the CNBC/National Retail Federation Retail Sales Monitor for the month of July.
Furniture store sales were up 2.71% unadjusted from July 2025 and were down .04% on a seasonally adjusted basis from June.
Overall, retail sales excluding restaurants, auto dealers and gas stations were up 4.72% unadjusted year over year and up .3% seasonally adjusted from June, marking 10 consecutive months of gains. This compared with increases of 10.08% year over year and .36% month over month in June.
Total retail sales that excluded automobile dealers and gasoline stations were up 5.15% unadjusted from July 2025 and were up .32% seasonally adjusted from June. This compares with a 9.41% increase last month from June 2025 and a .33% increase from May.
“Retail sales maintained their steady upward momentum in July as consumers kept shopping despite ups and downs in other economic indicators,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Supported by a low unemployment rate and steady wage gains, households remained budget conscious but took full advantage of midsummer sales and early back-to-school promotions to stretch their dollars. Retailers helped balance budgets by remaining committed to affordability, ensuring that everyday products remain accessible for American families.”
The report is based on credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions. Year-over-year data is not seasonally adjusted, meaning it does not account for seasonal impacts on sales such as weather, or holidays. Adjusted figures are based on these types of fluctuations.
Only two of the nine sectors surveyed fared worse than furniture store sales compared to July 2025. They included:
+ Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores, which were down 3.01% unadjusted from July 2025 and down .47% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Building and garden supply stores were down 1.2% year over year unadjusted and were down .17% from June seasonally adjusted.
By comparison other categories performed as follows:
+ Electronics and appliance stores were up 12.04% year over year unadjusted and .05% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Digital products (including electronic books and games) were up 12.02% year over year unadjusted and up 1.21% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Health and personal care stores were up 10.07% year over year unadjusted and up 0.53% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ General merchandise stores were up 8.3% year over year unadjusted and up .47% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Clothing and accessories stores were up 6.55% year over year unadjusted and up 0.51% month over month seasonally adjusted
+ Grocery and beverage stores were up 4.52% year over year unadjusted and up .46% month over month seasonally adjusted.
