Retail sales rose for the seventh consecutive month in April despite consumer concerns about rising gas prices and inflation, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, released by the National Retail Federation.
The United States Department of Labor just reported that the Consumer Price Index increased 0.6% in April after rising 0.9 percent in March, which pushed inflation to 3.8% on an annual basis.
Total retail sales, automobile dealers and gasoline stations excluded, gained 0.34% seasonally adjusted month over month and 5.73% unadjusted year over year in April, Retail Monitor stated. The April numbers compared with increases of 0.4% month over month and 6.59% year over year during March.
The Retail Monitor calculation of core retail sales, which excludes restaurants in addition to auto dealers and gas stations, grew 0.34% month over month in April and 5.53% year over year. April core retail sales increases compared with gains of 0.41% month over month and 7.05% year over year during March.
Total sales advanced 6.07% year over year during the first four months of 2026, with core sales up 5.99%.
In sales by retail channel, according to Retail Monitor:
- General merchandise stores were up 0.15% month over month seasonally adjusted and 6.19% year over year unadjusted.
- Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.06% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 2.58% year over year unadjusted.
- Building and garden supply stores were up 0.09% month over month seasonally adjusted and down 2.74% year over year unadjusted.
- Electronics and appliance stores were up 0.16% month over month seasonally adjusted and 4.03% year over year unadjusted.
- Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.36% month over month seasonally adjusted and 3.21% year over year unadjusted.
- Health and personal care stores were up 0.45% month over month seasonally adjusted and 8.42% year over year unadjusted.
- Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were up 0.12% month over month seasonally adjusted and 8.55% year over year unadjusted.
- Clothing and accessories stores were up 0.59% month over month seasonally adjusted and 9.75% year over year unadjusted.
- Digital products such as electronic books and games were up 1.11% month over month seasonally adjusted and 8.09% year over year unadjusted.
“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.”
Unlike survey-based numbers collected by the Census Bureau, the Retail Monitor uses anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions that does not need to be revised monthly or annually.
