U.S. Retail Sales Monthly Report: September 2026
Released October 8, 2026
Unlike Census Bureau estimates, the Retail Monitor is powered by real, anonymized credit and debit card transaction data, offering timely and reliable insights without the need for monthly or annual revisions. Retail Monitor data will be reviewed biannually for changes in seasonality modeling and adjusted if needed.
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CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Report September
Core vs Total U.S. Retail Sales September 2026
The Retail Monitor calculation of core retail sales was $453.1 billion in September, up 0.27% month over month and up 3.73 year over year.
Total retail sales excludes autos and gas to reduce volatility, offering a broad view of consumer spending.
Core retail sales exclude (in addition to auto and gas) restaurants, providing a clearer picture of demand for retail goods.
U.S. Retail Sales Sector Level Data: September 2026
The Retail Monitor data offers a headline “month-over-month” look at retail sales performance as well as “year-over-year” figures for the following sectors:
Building & garden supplies
Clothing & accessories
Electronics & appliances
Food services & drinking places
General merchandise
Grocery & beverage
Health & personal care
Misc. Retailers
Sporting goods, hobby, music & bookstores
Unallocated non-store sales
NRF on CNBC
NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor insights.
Unlike Census Bureau estimates, the Retail Monitor is powered by real, anonymized credit and debit card transaction data, offering timely and reliable insights without the need for monthly or annual revisions.
Want to learn more about the Retail Monitor?
Browse NRF's retail sales insights
May 13, 2026
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows Sales Grew in April Despite High Gas Prices and Sustained Inflation
Retail sales rose for the seventh consecutive month in April even as gas prices rose and inflation remained stubborn, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions.
Apr 14, 2026
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows Sales Grew in March As Tax Refunds Offset Rising Gas Prices
Retail sales rose again in March as consumers received higher-than-usual tax refunds that made up for increased gasoline prices, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions.
Affinity Solutions is the leading consumer purchase insights company. We provide a complete view of U.S. and U.K. consumer spending, across and between brands, via exclusive access to fully permissioned data from over 290 million debit and credit cards. Our proprietary AI technology, Comet™, transforms these purchase signals into actionable insights for business and marketing leaders to drive optimal outcomes and build lasting customer relationships. Visit us at www.affinitysolutions.com to discover how we're shaping the future of consumer purchase insights.
NRF's Center for Retail and Consumer Insights (CRCI) is committed to innovation and progress through our content and insights. To learn more, visit our homepage or email us at crci@nrf.com