Retail sales reached $69.9 billion in August, an increase of 0.6% compared with the same month one year earlier. Higher sales were reported in 7 of the 18 commodity classes.
The advance estimate provided by the Monthly Retail Trade Survey suggests that unadjusted total retail sales in September decreased by 2.5%. Because of its preliminary nature, this figure will be revised.
In August, the largest monthly increase in dollar terms came from sales of food and beverages, which rose 5.0% compared with the same month in 2023. In August 2024, sales of eggs and dairy products (+10.3%) led the gains in this commodity class, followed by sales of fresh meat and poultry (+7.6%).
Retail sales of motor vehicles (+2.7%) grew in August. The largest gain within this commodity class was in sales of new motor vehicles (+4.3%), led by sales of new minivans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks (+7.3%). Used motor vehicle sales also posted gains in August, increasing 0.5% compared with the same month in the previous year.
In August, the largest decline in dollar terms came from sales of automotive and household fuels (-4.8%). With lower prices at the pump, sales of automotive fuels posted a decline of 6.0% compared with the same month in 2023.
Sales of hardware, tools, and renovation and lawn and garden products (-5.2%) also saw a decline in August 2024. Sales of lumber and other renovation materials and supplies (-4.7%) led the decline.
Table 1: Sales by type of commodity, all retail stores - Seasonally unadjusted
Note to readers
The Retail Commodity Survey collects national-level retail sales data, by commodity, from the same businesses surveyed in the Monthly Retail Trade Survey. No data have been seasonally adjusted. All percentage changes are year over year.
New classification standard
As of the January 2023 reference period, Retail Commodity Survey figures are based on the 2022 North American Product Classification System (NAPCS) and the North American Industry Classification System structures. These new classification structures have introduced new commodities, updated commodity definitions and broadened the industry scope for the estimates of the Retail Commodity Survey.
Tables 20-10-0016 and 20-10-0017 have been archived. National monthly commodity estimates in NAPCS 2022 are now available in table 20-10-0080 starting with January 2023. National industry-based quarterly commodity estimates are available in table 20-10-0071 starting in the first quarter of 2023.
Find more statistics on retail trade.
Reference
Contact information
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