by This compares with an overall 7.2% increase in retail sales overall during the same period, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations
WASHINGTON — Retail sales rose 7.19% from May 2025 according to the latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released Tuesday by the National Retail Federation.
The total, representing unadjusted sales, excludes automobile dealers and gasoline stations. By comparison, sales were up .42% on an adjusted basis from April, compared with an increase of 5.73% from April 2025 and an increase of .34% from March.
Overall retail sales were up for the eighth consecutive month, the report noted, remaining resilient in spite of high gas prices and other inflation.
By comparison, furniture and home furnishings store sales were up 3.35% from May 2025 unadjusted and down .09% from April seasonally adjusted.
Seasonally adjusted figures remove typical seasonal fluctuations such as weather or holiday spending. Unadjusted figures are based on raw sales data that includes such seasonal fluctuations.
“Retail sales maintained momentum in May, driven by a resilient labor market and consumers’ continued willingness to spend on retail goods despite pressure from elevated gas prices, tariffs and the conflict in the Middle East,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “As support from this year’s large tax refunds fades, consumers are prioritizing essentials and finding creative ways to stretch their household budgets. To support them, retailers are actively engaging their supply chains and supplier networks to keep prices affordable.”
The Retail Monitor also uses actual, anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions and does not need to be revised monthly or annually, the authors noted.
According to the May analysis, sales were up in all but one of nine categories on a yearly basis and were up in all but two categories on a monthly basis. Below is an overview of the activity in all major sectors.
+ Electronics and appliance stores were up 11.59% year over year unadjusted and were up .05% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Clothing and accessories stores were up 10.25% year over year unadjusted and up .6% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Health and personal care stores were up 8.87% year over year unadjusted and up .45% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were up 8.59% year over year unadjusted and up .25% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ General merchandise stores were up 8.28% year over year unadjusted and up .41% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Digital products (such as electronic books and games) were up 7.79% year over year unadjusted and up 1.22% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Grocery and beverage stores were up 6.01% year over year unadjusted and up .48% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Furniture and home furnishings stores were up 3.35% year over year unadjusted and down .09% month over month seasonally adjusted.
+ Building and garden supply stores were down 1.88% year over year unadjusted and down .38% month over month seasonally adjusted.
