Retail sales rose slightly for the seventh consecutive month in April despite rising gas prices and stubborn inflation, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.

“Retail sales continued to grow in April despite higher gas prices driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran, cautious consumer sentiment and the persistent concerns about sustained inflation,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Spending on household priorities remains solid, supported by a steady labor market, wage growth and a significant influx of cash from tax refunds. While consumers are mindful on costs, retailers are working hard to keep everyday goods affordable for American families.”

Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.34 percent seasonally adjusted month over month and up 5.73 percent unadjusted year over year in April, according to the Retail Monitor. That compared with increases of 0.4 percent month over month and 6.59 percent year over year in March.

The Retail Monitor calculation of core retail sales (excluding restaurants in addition to auto dealers and gas stations) was also up 0.34 percent month over month in April and was up 5.53 percent year over year. That compared with increases of 0.41 percent month over month and 7.05 percent year over year in March.

Total sales were up 6.07 percent year over year during the first four months of the year, and core sales were up 5.99 percent.

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.

April sales were up in all but one of nine categories on a yearly basis, led by clothing stores, sporting goods stores and health and personal care stores, and, and were also up in all but one category on a monthly basis. Specifics from key sectors include:

  • Clothing and accessories stores were up 0.59 percent month over month seasonally adjusted and up 9.75 percent year over year unadjusted.
  • Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were up 0.12 percent month over month seasonally adjusted and up 8.55 percent year over year unadjusted.
  • Health and personal care stores were up 0.45 percent month over month seasonally adjusted and up 8.42 percent year over year unadjusted.
  • Digital products (such as electronic books and games) were up 1.11 percent month over month seasonally adjusted and up 8.09 percent year over year unadjusted.
  • General merchandise stores were up 0.15 percent month over month seasonally adjusted and up 6.19 percent year over year unadjusted.
  • Electronics and appliance stores were up 0.16 percent month over month seasonally adjusted and up 4.03 percent year over year unadjusted.
  • Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.36 percent month over month seasonally adjusted and up 3.21 percent year over year unadjusted.
  • Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.06 percent month over month seasonally adjusted but up 2.58 percent year over year unadjusted.
  • Building and garden supply stores were up 0.09 percent month over month seasonally adjusted but down 2.74 percent year over year unadjusted.

Image and chart courtesy NRF