Retail sales increased for the eighth consecutive month in May, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor powered by Affinity Solutions and released by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

“Retail sales maintained momentum in May, driven by a resilient labor market and consumers’ continued willingness to spend on retail goods despite pressure from elevated gas prices, tariffs, and the conflict in the Middle East,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “As support from this year’s large tax refunds fades, consumers are prioritizing essentials and finding creative ways to stretch their household budgets.”

Total retail sales, excluding auto dealers and gas stations, rose 0.42% on a seasonally adjusted month-over-month basis and increased 7.19% year over year in May. In April, sales had increased 0.34% month over month and 5.73% year over year.

Core retail sales, which exclude restaurants as well as auto dealers and gas stations, increased 0.39% month over month in May and were up 6.98% from a year earlier. In April, core sales rose 0.34% month over month and 5.53% year over year.

For the first 5 months of the year, total retail sales were up 6.29% compared with the same period last year, while core sales increased 6.19%.

The Retail Monitor is based on anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions. Unlike the US Census Bureau’s retail sales report, which is survey-based, the Retail Monitor uses transaction data and does not require monthly or annual revisions.

Retail sales increased year over year in 8 of 9 categories tracked by the Retail Monitor and rose month over month in 7 categories. Here are specifics from key sectors, seasonally adjusted from last month and unadjusted compared to last year:

• Electronics and appliance stores were up 0.05% from last month and up 11.59% compared to last year.

• Clothing and accessories stores were up 0.6% from last month and up 10.25% compared to last year.

• Health and personal care stores were up 0.45% from last month and up 8.87% compared to last year.

• Sporting goods, hobby, music, and book stores were up 0.25% from last month and up 8.59% compared to last year.

• General merchandise stores were up 0.41% from last month and up 8.28% compared to last year.

• Digital products (such as electronic books and games) were up 1.22% from last month and up 7.79% compared to last year.

• Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.48% from last month and up 6.01% compared to last year.

• Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.09% from last month but up 3.35% compared to last year.

• Building and garden supply stores were down 0.38% from last month and down 1.88% compared to last year.