There were $700.7 billion in retail and food service sales, up 0.6 % from the previous month and up 1.5 % from February 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Core retail sales—excluding automobiles and gasoline—increased 0.3 % this month and increased 2.2% for the year.
Retail trade sales were up 0.6 % from January 2024, and up 0.8 % above last year. Nonstore retailers were up 6.4 % from last year, while food services and drinking places were up 6.3 % from February 2023. Sales at furniture & home furnishing stores were down 10.1 % over the year, while sales at building material & garden equipment & supplies dealers were down 6.1 % from February 2023. Sales at health & personal care stores and clothing & clothing accessories stores fell 0.3 % and 0.5 % respectively from January 2024, while they increased 1.7 % and 1.3% respectively, from year-ago levels.
Sales at gasoline stations were up 0.9 % from January 2024, but down 4.5 % compared to prior year levels.
Read the Census release.
