Feb 18, 2020
January retail sales grew 2.7% over last year

Retail sales in January increased 0.2% seasonally adjusted over December and were up 2.7% unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants.

“The strength of consumer spending continues to be the anchor of the current economic expansion,” said Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist with NRF. “January’s retail sales results reflect a confident consumer supported by solid wage growth and job gains. While the business sector continues to weigh significant uncertainties, consumers are providing staying power for U.S. economic growth. We are starting the year on a strong footing.

January’s results build on increases of 0.3% month-over-month and 6.3% year-over-year in December. As of January, the three-month moving average was up 3.5% over the same period a year ago, compared with 3.9% in December.

NRF’s numbers are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which said that overall January sales – including auto dealers, gas stations and restaurants – were up 0.3% seasonally adjusted from December and up 4.4% unadjusted year-over-year.

Specifics from key retail sectors during January include:

  • Online and other non-store sales were up 7% year-over-year and up 0.3% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
  • General merchandise stores were up 3.3% year-over-year and up 0.5% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
  • Grocery and beverage stores were up 2.9% year-over-year and up 0.2% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
  • Furniture and home furnishings stores were up 2% year-over-year and up 0.6% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
  • Clothing and clothing accessory stores were down 0.7% year-over-year and down 3.1% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
  • Building materials and garden supply stores were down 1.4% year-over-year but up 2.1% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
  • Sporting goods stores were down 1.5% year-over-year but up 0.1% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
  • Health and personal care stores were down 1.9% year-over-year and down 0.4% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.
  • Electronics and appliance stores were down 2.9% year-over-year and down 0.5% month-over-month seasonally adjusted.

Tags: , ,


Social Connections


📣 Meet our speakers! 📣The Garden Center Show, presented by Lawn & Garden Retailer, is excited to announce our Keynote Speakers! 📣 Michelle Sherrier: Owner of MC Design Academy and host of The Retail Whore Podcast📣 Tim Quebedeaux: Owner of RetailKPI and Service Provider for The Garden Center GroupBe sure to check them out, along with our full, FREE conference schedule for The Garden Center Show, Aug. 6-7 in Rosemont, IL.🔗 Register for FREE: LGRMag.com/GCSRegister🌐 Learn more: www.gardencentershow.com🚌 Bus tour info: lgrmag.com/LGRBusTour#GCS24 #GardenCenterShow #GardenEvents #InPersonEvent #Networking #RetailStrategies #SpecialtyRetailers #GardenCenter #Conference #speaker #keynotespeaker ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Gift Shop Pets Summer 2021 cover image
Get one year of Gift Shop Plus in both print and digital editions for just $16.

Interested in reading the print edition of Gift Shop Plus?

Subscribe Today »

website development by deyo designs