WASHINGTON — Retail sales continued their upward trajectory in January, with health and personal care and grocery among the categories posting steady gains, according to the latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation and powered by Affinity Solutions.
Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, increased 0.2% seasonally adjusted month over month and rose 5.72% year over year on an unadjusted basis. That compares with December gains of 1.26% month over month and 3.54% year over year.
Core retail sales, which exclude restaurants in addition to auto dealers and gas stations, were up 0.15% month over month in January and climbed 5.51% year over year. In December, core sales were up 1.6% month over month and 3.58% year over year.
“Consumers demonstrated continued resilience in January, showing moderate spending growth on the heels of record-high spending during the holiday season,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “This was the fourth consecutive month that sales rose from the month before, and year-over-year gains were particularly strong. Consumer spending continues to drive the broader economy forward, supported by healthy household finances and real wage gains that have increased purchasing power. Retailers are doing their part by leveraging supply chains and new technologies to ensure that products remain affordable for American families.”
January’s results follow a record-breaking November–December holiday season, which grew 4.1% year over year based on Retail Monitor data released last month.
From a pharmacy and drug channel perspective, health and personal care stores rose 0.66% month over month and 5.98% year over year, reflecting continued demand for over-the-counter products, wellness solutions and everyday health essentials. Grocery and beverage stores increased 0.37% month over month and 5.41% year over year, underscoring steady food-at-home spending trends.
Other key categories delivered mixed monthly results but solid annual growth. Clothing and accessories stores were up 0.23% month over month and 9.39% year over year, while general merchandise stores edged down 0.05% month over month but advanced 5.46% year over year.
Unlike Census Bureau survey-based figures, the Retail Monitor uses anonymized credit and debit card purchase data and does not require monthly or annual revisions, providing a more stable view of consumer spending trends.
The January data point to a steady start to 2026 for retailers, with health, grocery and essential categories continuing to anchor performance across the retail landscape.
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