August retail sales in the United States, excluding results from auto and gas operations, increased 1.2% versus July, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Overall, advance estimates of August U.S. retail and foodservices sales — adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences but not for price changes — were $773.9 billion, also up 1.2% from July and 6% from the month a year earlier.
By channel, the Census Bureau reported:
- General Merchandise Stores sales were up 0.7% from July and 4.5% from the year-earlier month.
- Furniture & Home Furnishings Stores sales were up 0.9% from July and 1.9% from the year-earlier month.
- Building Material & Garden Equipment & Supplies Dealers sales were down 0.2% from July and up 5.1% from the year-earlier month.
- Electronics & Appliance Stores sales were up 1.6% from July and 7.8% from the year-earlier month.
- Health & Personal Care Stores sales were up 0.9% from July and 1.9% from the year-earlier month.
- Food & Beverage Stores sales were up 0.4% from July and 0.5% from the year-earlier month.
- Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument & Book Stores sales were up 1.2% from July and 10.7% from the year-earlier month.
- Clothing & Clothing Accessories Stores sales up 0.7% from July and 4.3% from the year-earlier month.
- Nonstore Retailers sales were up 2.6% from July and 9.9% from the year-earlier month.
