Clothing retail sales in US down 0.6% MoM in July

Online and other non-store sales were up 2.7 per cent month over month seasonally adjusted and up 18.1 per cent unadjusted year over year in July.

NRF’s calculation of retail sales – which excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants to focus on core retail – showed July was up 0.8 per cent from June and up 7.1 per cent unadjusted year over year. In June, sales were up 0.6 per cent month over month and up 6 per cent year over year.

NRF’s numbers were up 7 per cent unadjusted year over year on a three-month moving average as of July. Sales were up 6 per cent year over year for the first seven months of the year, keeping results on track with NRF’s forecast that 2022 retail sales will grow between 6 per cent and 8 per cent over 2021.

The U.S. Census Bureau said overall retail sales in July were unchanged from June but up 10.3 per cent year over year. That compared with increases of 0.8 per cent month over month and 8.5 per cent year over year in June. On a three-month moving average, sales were up 9.2 per cent year over year.

“Retail sales grew in July, supported by declines in prices at the gas pump and moderately lower inflation,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Consumers are adapting to higher prices by prioritising essentials like food and back-to-school items, and retailers are working hard to absorb the impact of higher costs and help customers stretch their hard-earned dollars. However, policy measures like removing China tariffs, enacting smart immigration reform and investing in supply chain resiliency are needed to relieve inflationary pressure and lower costs for American families.”

“Retail sales were up considerably compared with a year ago even though consumers are more discerning in this economic environment,” NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “Consumer spending was an encouraging signal as the economy kicked off the third quarter. Nonetheless, inflation is still disturbingly high even as it eases and is the most important challenge for consumers and retailers. The future path of inflation remains a key factor for the economy and monetary policy as the Federal Reserve works to bring price increases under control.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)