According to the United States Census Bureau, retail sales in April increased slightly from March. They were stronger year over year, even as consumers spent somewhat warily, given shifting tariffs and economic tides.
Retail trade sales slipped 0.1% from March 2025 but gained 4.7% year over year, while sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were up 9.4 %, and those at food service and drinking places were up 7.8% versus April 2024.
In looking at the numbers, the National Retail Federation said core retail sales, excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, were down 0.1% seasonally adjusted month over month but up 5.1% unadjusted year over year. NRF added that core sales advanced 3.4% year over year on a three-month moving average and 3.8% for the first four months of the year.
The CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor recently reported that core retail sales were up 0.9% seasonally adjusted month over month in April and 7.11% unadjusted year over year. Rather than survey data, which the Census Bureau gathers to determine sales, Retail Monitor uses anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions.
“Consumers are still spending despite widespread pessimism fueled by rising tariffs,” NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz commented on the sales results. “While tariffs may have weighed on spending decisions, growth is coming at a moderate pace and consumer spending remains steady, reflecting a resilient economy. The momentum and willingness to spend are being supported by positive data on jobs and wages, along with lower energy prices.”
