WASHINGTON 鈥� The National Retail Federation said retail sales increased for the seventh consecutive month in April as consumers continued to spend on key household needs despite rising fuel costs and lingering inflation concerns.
According to the latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, total retail sales excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations rose 0.34% seasonally adjusted month over month in April and increased 5.73% year over year on an unadjusted basis.
That compared with gains of 0.4% month over month and 6.59% year over year in March.
Core retail sales 鈥� which exclude restaurants in addition to auto dealers and gasoline stations 鈥� also rose 0.34% month over month and were up 5.53% year over year. In March, core sales had increased 0.41% month over month and 7.05% year over year.
鈥淩etail 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,鈥� said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation.
Shay said consumer spending has remained supported by a stable labor market, wage growth and income tax refunds, even as shoppers continue to closely monitor household budgets.
鈥淲hile consumers are mindful on costs, retailers are working hard to keep everyday goods affordable for American families,鈥� he said.
For the first four months of 2026, total retail sales were up 6.07% year over year, while core retail sales increased 5.99%.
The Retail Monitor, which is based on anonymized credit and debit card transaction data compiled by Affinity Solutions, differs from the U.S. Census Bureau鈥檚 retail sales report by relying on actual purchase data rather than survey estimates. NRF noted that the data does not require monthly or annual revisions.
Retail sales increased year over year in eight of the nine categories tracked by the report and rose month over month in all but one category.
Clothing and accessories stores led annual gains, rising 9.75% year over year and 0.59% month over month. Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores increased 8.55% year over year and 0.12% month over month, while health and personal care stores were up 8.42% year over year and 0.45% month over month.
Digital products, including electronic books and games, posted one of the strongest monthly performances, climbing 1.11% from March and 8.09% year over year.
General merchandise stores increased 6.19% year over year and 0.15% month over month, while grocery and beverage stores rose 3.21% year over year and 0.36% month over month.
Furniture and home furnishings stores were the only category to post a monthly decline, slipping 0.06%, though sales remained up 2.58% from a year earlier.
Building and garden supply stores posted a modest monthly increase of 0.09% but declined 2.74% year over year, making it the only category to report an annual decrease.
