Retail sales reached $65.7 billion in September, a decrease of 2.2% compared with the same month one year earlier. Lower sales were reported in 12 of the 18 commodity classes.
The advance estimate provided by the Monthly Retail Trade Survey suggests that unadjusted total retail sales in October increased by 4.4%. Because of its preliminary nature, this figure will be revised.
In September, the largest decline in dollar terms came from sales of automotive and household fuels (-12.7%). With year-over-year gasoline prices falling 10.7% in September, sales of automotive fuels posted a decline of 13.7% compared with the same month in 2023.
Receipts of home furniture, furnishings, housewares, appliances and electronics decreased 5.8% in September 2024. Lower sales were posted in every subclass, with the largest contributor to the decline in sales being home electronics (-8.3%).
Coming off strong sales in August, year-over-year sales of clothing declined 4.7% in September. Sales of women's clothing led the decline, falling 5.0%, followed by sales of men's clothing, down 4.8%.
Sales of food and beverages decreased 0.3% in September. Sales of alcoholic beverages (-3.8%) led the declines in this commodity class, followed by sales of packaged food dry goods (-1.7%).
In September, the largest increase in dollar terms came from higher sales of home health products, up 2.9%. Growth in this commodity class was driven by higher sales of prescription pharmaceuticals (+3.9%).
Retail sales of motor vehicles grew 0.3% in September. The largest gain within this commodity class was for sales of new motor vehicles (+0.8%), led by sales of new minivans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks (+3.7%). Used motor vehicle sales were lower in September, decreasing 0.4% compared with the same month in 2023.
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
Data table: 20-10-0080-01
- Note: some data tables may best be viewed on desktop.
Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 2008.
Previous release: Retail Commodity Survey, August 2024
Contact information
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