Retail sales rose in August as consumers increased back-to-school purchases and made early buys ahead of rising tariffs, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, and released by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

“Spending was supported by lower fuel costs, tax-free holidays, and consumers buying products before tariff increases take effect,” says NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. “We may be seeing inflationary impacts from tariffs since recent data shows price increases in commodity goods. Nonetheless, consumers are preserving spending power by cutting back on less-essential services.”

Total retail sales, excluding auto sales and gas stations, increased 0.5% seasonally adjusted from July and 6.81% unadjusted year over year. Core retail sales—which exclude restaurants, auto sales, and gas stations—rose 0.26% month over month and 6.67% year over year. By comparison, July saw gains of 1.45% month over month and 5.89% year over year in total sales, and 1.55% month over month and 5.93% year over year in core sales.

For the first eight months of 2025, total sales were up 5.08% compared with the same period last year, while core sales rose 5.27%.

Sales in August grew year over year in eight of nine categories, led by digital products, sporting goods, and clothing. On a monthly basis, sales increased in five categories. The following are specifics from key sectors seasonally adjusted from last month and unadjusted compared to last year:

• Digital products (such as electronic books and games) were up 1.58% from last month and up 25.98% compared to last year.

• Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were down 0.82% from last month but up 8.96% compared to last year.

• Clothing and accessories stores were up 0.2% from last month and up 8.26% compared to last year.

• General merchandise stores were up 0.39% from last month and up 7.63% compared to last year.

• Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.98% from last month and up 7.17% compared to last year.

• Electronics and appliance stores were down 0.28% from last month but up 3.57% compared to last year.

• Health and personal care stores were down 0.07% from last month but up 3.25% compared to last year.

• Furniture and home furnishings stores were up 0.23% from last month and up 3.07% compared to last year.

• Building and garden supply stores were down 2.13% from last month and down 7.77% compared to last year.

NRF releases monthly retail data and provides forecasts for key spending periods, including the holiday season.