Retail sales rose modestly in April, marking a seventh consecutive monthly increase despite inflation and higher gas prices. Growth slowed from March but remained positive across most categories with steady demand in apparel, health, and general merchandise.
Key Takeaways
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Steady but slowing growth: Retail sales continued to rise, though at a slower pace, signaling resilience amid economic pressures.
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Category-level variation: Most sectors posted gains, led by apparel and health, while furniture and home improvement showed relative weakness.
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Data-driven insights: The Retail Monitor’s transaction-based methodology provides a more stable view of spending trends than survey-based estimates.
