Census data shows retail sales were steady in April as tariff concerns continue to grow
The Census Bureau said overall retail sales in April were up 0.1% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 5.2% unadjusted year over year.
NRF
NRF: Consumer spending remains resilient as tariff worries persist
The economy remains resilient, supported by strong employment numbers, rising wages, and lower energy costs.
NRF says House tax proposal is a big win for retailers
“These provisions provide the certainty retailers need to modernize operations, grow their workforce and deliver unmatched value to American consumers.”
Retail imports to decline as Trump tariffs take hold
“We are starting to see the true impact of President Trump’s tariffs on the supply chain,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said.
NRF: Economy still growing despite tariffs but ‘a lot of people have recession on their minds’
“With so much uncertainty surrounding the economy in the past few months, I’m not sure anyone can predict the storm path of tariffs and their likely impact,” Kleinhenz said.
NRF says Mother’s Day spending could reach $34.1 billion
“Even in the face of economic uncertainty, consumers continue to celebrate the special women in their lives with gifts and outings.”
NRF reveals 2025 Top 50 Global Retailers
David Marcotte, Kantar’s Senior Vice President of Global Insights and Technology, noted that the 2024 retail landscape saw a return to stability after years of disruption.
NRF Retail Monitor: Sales rise in March as tariff tensions loom
“The pullback we’ve seen the past few months comes despite strong economic fundamentals. A major factor appears to be driven by the uncertainty caused by tariffs,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.
NRF releases statement supporting federal legislation to combat retail crime
“We urge Congress to move quickly to approve this integral measure.”
NRF Global Port Tracker: Imports to drop by 20% as tariffs take hold
“At present, we expect to see imports begin to decline by May and that they will drop dramatically during the remainder of the year,” says Ben Hackett.
NRF: Easter spending to reach $23.6 billion this year
The figure represents a significant increase from last year’s $22.4 billion and comes close to the record-setting $24 billion spent in 2023.
NRF's French: More tariffs will lead to higher costs for American families
“More tariffs equal more anxiety and uncertainty for American businesses and consumers. While leaders in Washington may not care about higher prices, hardworking American families do."
NRF forecasts 2025 retail sales to hit $5.42 trillion
The 2025 sales forecast compares with 3.6% annual sales growth of $5.29 trillion dollars in 2024.
NRF, RILA warn USTR shipping proposal will raise prices
Over 30 industry groups submitted comments opposing the proposed remedies in the Section 301 investigation. They cited a study that found the measures would lead to higher costs across multiple sectors, including retail.
NRF: Data shows consumers are apprehensive despite healthy economic fundamentals
“Lower-than-expected consumer spending in the first couple of months of the year likely reflected payback for very strong spending in the fourth quarter and weather-related events since then,” NRF's Kleinhenz said.
Retail Monitor: February sales slip as consumers cut back
Despite the overall monthly decline, six out of nine retail categories posted year-over-year gains, with online sales, health and personal care stores, and general merchandise stores leading the way.