by Sales in the sector also declined slightly from October
WASHINGTON — Across all retail categories, the U.S. Census Department of Commerce reported a 0.6% increase from October 2025 to November 2025, representing a climb in total sales from $731.4 billion to $735.9 billion, according to figures released Wednesday.
Within the sector, furniture and home furnishings store sales totaled $123.8 billion. But a closer look at the home furnishings category shows a recent slowdown.
In November, furniture store sales decreased 0.1% from October 2025 to November 2025 and were down 1.4% compared to November 2024.
“While this ended an over year-long plus streak of year-over-year gains for the category, there is cause for optimism,” said Chip West, retail and consumer behavior expert at RR Donnelley, a Chicago-based communications company. “The just-announced delay in implementing higher furniture tariffs should motivate more furniture shoppers as the year goes on and pricing uncertainty stabilizes.”
Perhaps this is unsurprising, given that Black Friday sales did not consistently meet retailer expectations, according to those interviewed by Home News Now. Across the U.S., many companies shared mixed results despite aggressive media blitzes and promotions.
“This pullback may have illustrated more consumers facing supply chain and tariff anxiety, leading many to weigh needs vs. wants more cautiously as they shop,” West added. However, final numbers for December 2025, which will include Cyber Monday data, have not yet been released. The next report is currently delayed due to a lapse in federal funding.
The largest year-over-year gain was in miscellaneous store retailers, with an increase of 16.3%. Other categories showed growth over November 2024, including sporting goods, hobby, musical instruments, and bookstores (7.8%), clothing and clothing accessories (7.5%), and health and personal care stores (6.7%). Electronics and appliances stores also showed growth, increasing 2.7% during the same period year-over-year. The only category outpacing furniture’s downturn was building material, garden, and supplies dealers, which decreased 2.8% from November 2024.
“While these figures show consistent economic expansion in Q4, the late timing of Cyber Monday suggests that a significant portion of holiday spending may shift into the December sales report,” West added.
