US retail sales up 6% in first two months of 2026, led by apparel: NRF

February sales increased in all but one of nine categories on a YoY basis, led by clothing stores. Clothing and accessories stores rose 0.66 per cent month-over-month (MoM) on a seasonally adjusted basis and were up 11.05 per cent YoY on an unadjusted basis.

“Despite harsh winter weather, consumer spending grew once again in February, supported by continued wage gains and overall low unemployment levels,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “This was the fifth consecutive month that sales rose from the month before, and year-over-year gains were strong. With renewed fighting in the Middle East and its impact on global economies, retailers remain heavily focused on delivering products at competitive prices to value conscious consumers.”

Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.28 per cent seasonally adjusted MoM and up 6.24 per cent unadjusted YoY in February. That compared with increases of 0.2 per cent month over month and 5.72 per cent YoY in January.

The Retail Monitor calculation of core retail sales (excluding restaurants in addition to auto dealers and gas stations) was up 0.27 per cent MoM in February and up 5.87 per cent YoY. There was an increases of 0.15 per cent MoM compared with January and 5.51 per cent YoY.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)