WASHINGTON – Retail sales grew sharply in January as government stimulus checks provided a boost and momentum from 2020’s record holiday season carried over into the new year, the National Retail Federation said Wednesday. “January’s retail sales numbers reflect a very strong start for consumers and retailers as we look ahead to a critical year
WASHINGTON – The stimulus legislation signed into law just after Christmas will help support the nation’s ongoing recovery from the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said on Monday. “As we closed out 2020, it was an end to a whirlwind year whose challenging economic environment will almost
WASHINGTON – Retail sales slipped in November compared to the month before, as the surging pandemic suppressed store traffic. But sales were still up compared to last November, and the National Retail Federation still expects a happy holiday season for retailers. “Consumers held back on spending in November as virus rates spiked, states imposed retail restrictions and
WASHINGTON – Retail sales continue to bounce back from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Retail Federation said Friday. Sales in July grew more slowly than in June, but the trend continued to be positive. “Retail sales for July were another positive step in the right direction as our economy continues to slowly
WASHINGTON — The reopening of stores shuttered by the COVID-19 outbreak boosted retail sales in May, which were up dramatically compared to April, the National Retail Federation reported Tuesday. But sales were still way down from the same period last year. “Today’s sales report is very encouraging news at a time when we need to
WASHINGTON — Retail sales should grow by 3.5% to 4.1% this year, according to a forecast released Wednesday by the National Retail Federation. The trade group is predicting that sales in 2020 will top $3.9 trillion, despite uncertainty from the lingering trade war, the coronavirus outbreak and the presidential election. “The nation’s record-long economic expansion
WASHINGTON –Retail sales growth was modest in November, but the National Retail Federation still expects a strong holiday season for retailers. Retail sales in November increased 0.1% seasonally adjusted over October and were up 2.1% unadjusted year-over-year, according to the NRF, which noted that the numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. “November showed
WASHINGTON – Retail sales in September were down 0.1% seasonally adjusted from August but up 4.5% unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said on Wednesday. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. “The pullback in September compared with August is possibly a reaction to increased fears over U.S.-China tensions,” NRF Chief Economist Jack
WASHINGTON — Retail sales were up 0.9% in July seasonally adjusted from June and up 5.6% unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said Thursday. The numbers exclude sales by automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. “July’s strong results are consistent with a confident consumer,” NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said in a statement on Thursday.
WASHINGTON — Retail sales in March were up 1% seasonally adjusted from February and up 0.8% unadjusted year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation, which said today that the numbers represent good news about the strength of the economy. “March’s numbers are very encouraging and set the stage for improved expectations for the economy in
WASHINGTON – Retail sales rebounded in January, the National Retail Federation said on Monday. Sales increased by 1.3% seasonally adjusted from December and by 3.6% unadjusted year-over-year. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. “Retail sales recovered in January after the unexpected drop in December, reinforcing a positive start to 2019,” NRF chief
WASHINGTON – Retail industry employment in February was down by 6,100 jobs seasonally adjusted from January and down 5,300 jobs unadjusted year-over-year as employment growth across all industries slowed dramatically, according to U.S. Labor Department figures released on Friday. The retail numbers, which exclude restaurants, came as the nation saw a monthly gain of only