Retail sales rose a better-than-expected 0.6 percent in June versus May, the Commerce Department reported, after two consecutive months of spending declines.
June’s number topped the 0.2 percent gain economists projected in a FactSet poll.
Sales slipped 0.1 percent in April month-to-month and 0.9 percent in May. Year-over-year, June’s retail sales were up 3.5 percent.
On a month-to-month basis, the gain was driven by motor vehicle & parts dealers, up 1.2 percent; and clothing & clothing accessories stores, 0.9 percent. General merchandise stores, grocery stores, and health and personal care stores all grew 0.5 percent in June versus May. Sales at sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, & bookstores were up 0.2 percent month-to-month. Online retailers recorded a 0.4 percent gain. Electronics and appliance retailers, furniture stores and department stores all saw sales declines.
Comparing June 2025 to June 2024, notable gains were seen by health & personal care stores, up 8.3 percent; motor vehicle & parts dealers, 6.5 percent; clothing & clothing accessories stores, 3.9 percent; and furniture & home furnishing stores, 4.5 percent. Grocery stores were up 2.7 percent and general merchandise stores, 3.2 percent. Declines were seen by department stores, down 3.6 percent, and electronics & appliance stores, off 0.2 percent.
