by Sales rose 2.6% from a year earlier, marking the 4th straight month of year-over-year gains in the furniture retail sector
WASHINGTON — Furniture store sales rose nearly 2.6% from April 2025 according to the latest CNBC/National Retail Federation Retail Monitor.
While down slightly from the 3.54% gain unadjusted from March 2025, this was the fourth straight month of year-over-year gains for the furniture sector, based on the analysis. They were down .06% adjusted from March, the report noted.
By comparison, total retail sales excluding automobile dealers and gas stations were up 5.74% unadjusted from April 2025 and up .34% from March compared with increases of .4% month over month and 6.59% year over year in March.
The Retail Monitor calculation of core retail sales, which excludes restaurants along with auto dealers and gas stations, was also up 5.53% from April 2025 and up .34% month over month. The NRF said that compared with increases of 7.05% year over year in March and .41% month over month.
“Retail sales continued to grow in April despite higher gas prices driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran, cautious consumer sentiment and the persistent concerns about sustained inflation,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Spending on household priorities remains solid, supported by a steady labor market, wage growth and a significant influx of cash from tax refunds. While consumers are mindful on costs, retailers are working hard to keep everyday goods affordable for American families.”
The year-over-year sales are unadjusted, while the month-over-month sales are adjusted for seasonal fluctuations.
The Retail Monitor uses actual, anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions and does not need to be revised monthly or annually.
By segment, activity was as follows according to the Retail Monitor:
+ Clothing and accessories stores were 9.75% year over year unadjusted and were up .59% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were up 8.55% year over year unadjusted and were up .12% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Health and personal care stores were and up 8.42% year over year unadjusted and were up .45% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Digital products (such as electronic books and games) were up 8.09% year over year unadjusted and were up 1.11% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ General merchandise stores were up 6.19% year over year unadjusted and up .15% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Electronics and appliance stores were up 4.03% year over year unadjusted and were up .16% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Grocery and beverage stores were up 3.21% year over year unadjusted and up .36% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Furniture and home furnishings stores were up 2.58% year over year unadjusted, but were down .06% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Building and garden supply stores were down 2.74% year over year unadjusted but up .09% month over month seasonally adjusted.
The year-over-year increases in furniture store sales should be an encouraging sign for retailers as they head into the Memorial Day holiday sales period. The increases also are an indication that consumers have more money to spend, including new homeowners that have seen some increases in affordability, particularly for new construction.
How this holds heading into the second half of the year remains to be seen, but the industry has apparently begun to see some improvement thus far based on these results. This offers them an opportunity to continue finding ways to bring foot traffic in their stores and encouraging them to buy through a combination of affordable and value priced product combined with special financing the lets consumers know how much they can spend to stay within budget.
The good news for the entire industry is that their budgets seem to have room for furniture.
