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Retail Sales Extend Growth Streak in June, NRF Reports

Summer sales events, early back-to-school shopping, and retailers' focus on affordability contribute to the trend.

Eyecare Business July 16, 2026

Retail sales supported by strong summer shopping and early back-to-school spending increased for the ninth consecutive month in June, according to the latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that total retail sales, excluding auto dealers and gas stations, rose 0.33% month over month on a seasonally adjusted basis and increased 9.41% year over year. Core retail sales, which also exclude restaurants, increased 0.36% from May and were up 10.08% compared with June 2025.

“Consumers took advantage of summer sales events, and many got an early jump on back-to-school shopping," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. "The willingness to spend on retail goods has been supported by the retail industry’s laser focus on affordability as well as a durable labor market. Year-over-year gains look particularly strong compared with a weak June 2025.”

The organization noted that the large year-over-year gains reflect comparisons with relatively weak retail sales in June 2025. On a seasonally adjusted basis, total sales were up 4.26% year over year and core sales increased 4.23%.

June sales were up across the board on a yearly basis and were up in all but 2 of 9 categories on a monthly basis. Here are specifics from key sectors, seasonally adjusted from last month and unadjusted compared to last year:

  • Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were up 0.45% from last month and up 18.53% compared to last year.

  • Electronics and appliance stores were down 0.01% from last month but up 14.16% compared to last year.

  • Clothing and accessories stores were up 0.63% from last month and up 13.65% compared to last year.

  • Digital products (such as electronic books and games) were up 1.25% from last month and up 13.56% compared to last year.

  • Health and personal care stores were up 0.5% from last month and up 12.87% compared to last year.

  • General merchandise stores were up 0.29% from last month and up 9.9% compared to last year.

  • Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.25% from last month and up 5.26% compared to last year.

  • Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.16% from last month but up 4.92% compared to last year.

  • Building and garden supply stores were up 0.06% from last month and up 4.04% compared to last year.