Retail sales up 0.5% in April from March as higher gas prices leave less room for nonessential items
Summary
Retail sales in the U.S. increased by 0.5% in April 2026, slower than the 1.6% rise in March. Higher gas prices due to the conflict in Iran reduced how much people spent on nonessential items like furniture and department store goods.Key Facts
- Retail sales grew 0.5% in April, down from 1.6% growth in March.
- March’s increase was the largest in over three years, mainly because gas prices rose quickly.
- When gas prices are removed, retail sales still grew by 0.3% in April.
- Department store sales fell by 3.2% in April.
- Furniture and home furnishing sales dropped by 2%.
- Online retailers experienced a 1.1% increase in sales.
- Restaurant sales increased by 0.6%, the only service category mentioned.
- The data does not include spending on travel, hotels, or other services.
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