US retail sales increased slightly in April, with many categories performing well!

According to the National Retail Federation (NFR), U.S. retail sales rose slightly in April as consumers continued to spend. On a monthly basis, sales increased in four of the nine retail categories, led by online, department stores, and health and personal care.

Data showed that U.S. retail sales in April increased by 0.6% from March and 2% from the same period last year (excluding car dealers, gas stations and restaurants). In the past three months (February, March and April), retail sales increased by an average of 3.7% year-on-year.

"Consumers continued to be active in April," said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. "Shoppers are selective and price sensitive, and we continue to expect spending to grow modestly this year. Year-over-year growth will slow, in part because credit conditions are tightening and excess savings are shrinking."

Here’s how each retail category performed in April:

• Online and other non-store sales increased 1.2% month-over-month and 6.4% year-over-year

• Health and personal care store sales increased 0.9% month-over-month and 5.8% year-over-year.

• General merchandise stores increased 0.9% month-over-month and 4.1% year-over-year.

• Grocery and beverage stores fell 0.2% month-over-month but rose 2.9% year-over-year.

• Clothing and accessories stores fell 0.3% month-on-month and 4.1% year-on-year

• Building material and garden supply stores increased 0.5% month-over-month but fell 5.7% year-over-year.

• Electronics and appliance stores fell 0.5% month-over-month and 8.2% year-over-year.

• Furniture and home furnishings stores fell 0.7% month-over-month and 8.8% year-over-year.

• Sporting goods stores fell 3.3% month-over-month and 9.1% year-over-year.

Editor ✎ Nicole/

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