The CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, is a new monthly measure of retail sales created in collaboration with CNBC and the National Retail Federation, and powered by Affinity Solutions. The Retail Monitor has been shown to be highly correlated with the U.S. Census Bureau’s revised retail sales number. To learn more visit our FAQs.
For custom insights into consumer spending metrics, market share dynamics, and actionable insights visit the Consumer Insights Studio.
Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, were up 0.49% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 4.44% unadjusted year over year in May, according to the Retail Monitor. That compared with increases of 0.72% month over month and 6.76% year over year in April.
May sales were up in seven out of nine categories on a yearly basis, led by digital products, sporting goods stores and general merchandise stores, and were up in six categories on a monthly basis.
NRF Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews breaks down the current economic environment, highlighting key hard and soft data points.
The National Retail Federation, Affinity Solutions and Pyxis by Bain & Company have joined forces to deliver actionable insights powered by best-in-class consumer spending data.
Discover more
Your first look at how retail sales performed last month. The Retail Monitor has been shown to be highly correlated with the U.S. Census Bureau’s revised retail sales numbers. The data is powered by Affinity Solutions.
