by Slight gain marks the 3rd consecutive year-over-year increase for the furniture retail segment
WASHINGTON — Furniture store sales rose .7% in November, a sign that the sector continues to improve amid competition from other areas of consumer retail spending.
The Department of Commerce reported Tuesday that furniture store sales totaled $11.32 billion, up from $11.2 billion in November 2023, marking the third consecutive year-over-year gain. They also were up .3% from $11.29 billion in October.
By comparison, overall retail sales totaled $724.6 billion, up 3.8% from $698.1 billion in November 2023.
Furniture store sales once again joined other segments with year-over-year increases in November, including non-store retailers, such as e-commerce sites and catalogs, which were up 9.8% to $127.1 billion, from $115.8 billion; motor vehicle and parts dealers, up 6.5% to $140.7 billion, from $132.1 billion; building material and garden equipment and supply dealers, up 4.1% to $42.2 billion, from $40.6 billion; general merchandise stores, up 3.1% to $76.1 billion, from $73.8 billion; clothing and clothing accessories stores, up 2.2% to $26.3 billion, from $25.7 billion, and restaurants and bars, up 1.9% to $96.7 billion, from $94.9 billion.
Other retail sectors with increases included health and beauty stores, up 1.8% to $38.1 billion, from $37.4 billion, and food and beverage stores, also up 1.8% to $83.7 billion, from $82.3 billion; electronics and appliance stores, up 1.2% to $7.6 billion, from $7.5 billion and miscellaneous store retailers, such as florists, pet stores and religious supply stores, up .8% to $14.9 billion, from $14.8 billion.
The two sectors with year-over-year declines included sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument and bookstores, down 1.4% to $8.3 billion, from $8.4 billion in November 2023, and gasoline stations, down 3.9% to $51.5 billion, from $53.6 billion.
Once again, furniture store sales also exceeded pre-pandemic levels. For example, the $11.3 billion reported in November compares with $10.2 billion in November 2019; $9.9 billion in November 2018; $9.9 billion in November 2017; $9.3 billion in November 2016; $9.2 billion in November 2015; and $8.6 billion in November 2014.
