Retail sales rise for eighth straight month in May 2026
Retail sales increased for the eighth consecutive month in May, with total retail sales up 0.42% from April and 7.19% year over year, according to the CNBC/National Retail Federation (NRF) Retail Monitor.
The report, powered by Affinity Solutions, excludes automobile dealers and gasoline stations. May’s gains compared with April increases of 0.34% month over month and 5.73% year over year.
Core retail sales, which also exclude restaurants, rose 0.39% month over month and 6.98% year over year in May. During the first five months of 2026, total sales were up 6.29% year over year, while core sales rose 6.19%.
Matthew Shay, president and CEO of NRF, said retail sales maintained momentum as consumers continued spending despite elevated gas prices, tariffs and the conflict in the Middle East.
Electronics and appliance stores led category growth, up 11.59% year over year. Clothing and accessories stores rose 10.25%, furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.09% month over month seasonally adjusted but up 3.35% year over year unadjusted, and general merchandise stores grew 8.28%. Building and garden supply stores were the only category down year over year, falling 1.88%.
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