US retail sales increased for the 13th consecutive month in October 2026, according to the latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor from the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, reached $561.7 billion in October; an increase of 0.15% from September and 3.57% year over year, on a seasonally adjusted basis. September sales increased 0.28% month over month and 4.05% year over year for $560.8 billion total. Core retail sales, which also exclude restaurants, totaled $454.2 billion in October, up 0.26% from September and 3.36% compared with October 2025. September core sales totaled $453.1 billion for an increase of 0.27% month over month and 3.73% year over year. For the first 10 months of 2026, total retail sales increased 5.75%, while core retail sales rose 5.63%.

Electronics and appliance stores recorded the largest gain, with sales rising 9.3% compared with October 2025, while furniture and home furnishings were down 2.62%, and sporting goods were down 0.44%.

“Retail sales edged higher in October as a strong Halloween season and early winter holiday promotions pulled demand forward,” said Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO, in a press release. “Households are managing budgets carefully, timing purchases around special offers and sales events in order to stretch their dollars.”

Additional information is available through the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.