Story perspectives

U.S. Retail Spending Up 0.5% Amid Back-to-School Surge

9/14/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. retail spending increased in August, fueled by back-to-school shopping and tariff avoidance.
Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, rose by 0.5% month-over-month and 6.81% year-over-year.
Core retail sales grew by 0.26% month-over-month and 6.67% year-over-year.
Consumers focus on essential purchases while reducing non-essential spending.
Stable employment and lower fuel costs support consumer spending, according to the National Retail Federation.

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Story summary

U.S. retail spending increased in August, fueled by back-to-school shopping and tariff avoidance.
Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, rose by 0.5% month-over-month and 6.81% year-over-year.
Core retail sales grew by 0.26% month-over-month and 6.67% year-over-year.
Consumers focus on essential purchases while reducing non-essential spending.
Stable employment and lower fuel costs support consumer spending, according to the National Retail Federation.