CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor reports moderate retails sales growth in June

Retail sales showed moderate growth in June amid a still-solid economy and near-zero inflation for retail goods, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today by the National Retail Federation.

“Consumers are being thoughtful about their spending, prioritizing non-discretionary purchases as they continue to face high interest rates and lingering inflation,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Inflation has dropped to nearly zero for goods, but remains persistent with services, and solid economic fundamentals are helping consumers make ends meet. Month-over-month sales growth was moderate in June, and year-over-year gains for total retail sales were the largest we’ve seen since last fall.”

Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, were up 0.47% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 3.42% unadjusted year over year in June, according to the Retail Monitor. That compared with increases of 1.35% month over month and 3.03% year over year in May.

The Retail Monitor calculation of core retail sales (excluding restaurants in addition to automobiles and gasoline) was up 0.3% month over month in June and up 3.07% year over year. That compared with increases of 1.2% month over month and 2.88% year over year in May.

Total sales were up 2.39% year over year for the first six months of the year and core sales were up 2.62%. The year-over-year gain for total sales was the largest since 4.24% last November and the year-over-year gain for core sales was the largest since 3.24% this January.

Unlike survey-based numbers collected by the Census Bureau, the Retail Monitor uses actual, anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions and does not need to be revised monthly or annually.

June sales were up in five out of nine retail categories on a yearly basis, led by online sales, general merchandise stores and clothing and accessory stores. Sales were up in four categories on a monthly basis. Specifics from key sectors include:

• Online and other non-store sales were up 1.78% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 23.08% year over year unadjusted.
• General merchandise stores were up 0.61% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 5.79% year over year unadjusted.
  
• Clothing and accessories stores were down 0.11% month over month seasonally adjusted but up 5.35% year over year unadjusted.
  
• Health and personal care stores were down 0.04% month over month seasonally adjusted but up 4.63% year over year unadjusted.
  
• Grocery and beverage stores were up 1.01% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 4.31% year over year unadjusted.
  
• Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were up 0.68% month over month seasonally adjusted but down 0.52% year over year unadjusted.
  
• Electronics and appliance stores were down 1.02% month over month seasonally adjusted and down 3.24% year over year unadjusted.
  
• Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.62% month over month seasonally adjusted and down 3.26% year over year unadjusted.
  
• Building and garden supply stores were down 1.8% month over month seasonally adjusted and down 3.46% year over year unadjusted.