Despite problematic weather conditions and macroeconomic developments, retail sales gained ground in February month over month and year over year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.
Released by the National Retail Federation, the February report put total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, up 0.28% seasonally adjusted month over month and 6.24% unadjusted year over year. The February figures compared with increases of 0.2% month over month and 5.72% year over year in January.
The Retail Monitor calculation of core retail sales, which excludes restaurants in addition to auto dealers and gas stations, was up 0.27% month over month in February and 5.87% year over year. In January, core retail sales gained 0.15% month over month and 5.51% year over year.
As retail has adjusted to continually changing macroeconomic environment, total sales advanced 6.04% year over year for the first two months of 2026, and core sales grew 5.76%.
In February, by sector, NRF noted:
- General merchandise stores were up 0.27% month over month seasonally adjusted and 7.77% year over year unadjusted.
- Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.27% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 3.07% year over year unadjusted.
- Building and garden supply stores were down 0.25% month over month seasonally adjusted and 5.75% year over year unadjusted.
- Electronics and appliance stores were down 0.07% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 4.37% year over year unadjusted.
- Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.3% month over month seasonally adjusted and 4.57% year over year unadjusted.
- Health and personal care stores were up 0.5% month over month seasonally adjusted and 9.33% year over year unadjusted.
- Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were down 0.02% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 6.53% year over year unadjusted.
- Clothing and accessories stores were up 0.66% month over month seasonally adjusted and 11.05% year over year unadjusted.
- Digital products, such as electronic books and games, were up 0.98% month over month seasonally adjusted and 2.36% year over year unadjusted.
“Despite harsh winter weather, consumer spending grew once again in February, supported by continued wage gains and overall low unemployment levels,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “This was the fifth consecutive month that sales rose from the month before, and year-over-year gains were strong. With renewed fighting in the Middle East and its impact on global economies, retailers remain heavily focused on delivering products at competitive prices to value conscious consumers.”
Unlike survey-based numbers collected by the United States Census Bureau, the Retail Monitor uses anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions and does not need to be revised monthly or annually.
