The United States retail sector demonstrated considerable strength in June, with a notable surge in sales across various categories, predominantly driven by a robust performance in clothing and accessories. This positive trend, as highlighted by the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, reflects heightened consumer activity influenced by seasonal promotions and early preparations for the back-to-school period. The stability of the labor market and retailers' strategic focus on maintaining accessible pricing have been crucial in supporting this upward trajectory, marking a significant improvement compared to the previous year's figures.
According to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, sales within clothing and accessories establishments saw a 0.63% increase from May to June, after seasonal adjustments. When compared to June of the previous year (2025), the unadjusted growth was a remarkable 13.65%. This sector's expansion was the second most substantial among the nine categories monitored in the monthly retail sales index, trailing only behind digital products.
Matthew Shay, the president and CEO of the National Retail Federation (NRF), commented on the strong start to the summer shopping season. He attributed this positive momentum to consumers capitalizing on summer sales events and initiating their back-to-school purchases earlier than usual. Shay emphasized that the retail sector's ability to stimulate spending was bolstered by its commitment to competitive pricing and a resilient labor market. The considerable year-over-year improvements are particularly noteworthy, especially considering the relatively subdued performance observed in June 2025.
Broader retail sales, excluding motor vehicle dealerships and gasoline stations, also experienced growth. These sales climbed by 0.33% on a seasonally adjusted monthly basis and posted a 9.41% increase annually in June, without seasonal adjustments. This contrasts with May's performance, which recorded monthly gains of 0.42% and an annual rise of 7.19%.
Focusing on core retail sales, which further exclude restaurants in addition to auto dealers and gas stations, a 0.36% increase was observed from May to June. Annually, core retail sales saw a substantial 10.08% rise compared to June 2025. In May 2026, these metrics showed a 0.39% monthly increase and a 6.98% annual gain, indicating a consistent upward trend in consumer purchasing.
Across all major retail segments, yearly sales growth was reported. Sporting goods, electronics, and apparel stores collectively led this expansion with an impressive 18.53% year-over-year increase. On a monthly basis, almost all categories recorded sales increases, with the exceptions being electronics and appliance stores, and furniture and home furnishings stores. For the first half of the year, total unadjusted sales were up by 6.81% compared to the same period last year, while core retail sales increased by 6.84%.
The latest retail data underscores the ongoing strength and adaptability of the American consumer market. The significant boost from the apparel sector, coupled with broader gains, paints a positive picture for economic activity, reflecting consumer confidence and effective retail strategies. The resilience of the job market and accessible pricing continue to be key drivers in sustaining this growth trajectory, setting a solid foundation for the remainder of the year.
