US retail sales have increased 2.1% in November unadjusted year-over-year, according to data from the National Retail Federation (NRF).
The sales figures, excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, increased 0.2% seasonally adjusted over October and up 3.3% unadjusted year-on-year.
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Retail categories that saw a rise in sales include online and other non-store (up 7.2% year-on-year and 0.8% month-on-month adjusted seasonally), while grocery and beverage stores were up 4% year-on-year and 0.3% month-on-month seasonally adjusted.
General merchandise stores remained unchanged year-on-year but grew 0.1% month-on-month rise, while health and personal care declined by 1.7% year-on-year.
Furniture and home furnishings were up 1.4% year-on-year and up 0.1% month-on-month. Sporting goods up 4.3% year-on-year and down 0.5% month-on-month seasonally adjusted.
Building materials and garden supplies were down 1.2% year-on-year and consistent month-on-month. Clothing and clothing accessories declined 2.9% year-on-year and 0.6% month-on-month, and electronics and appliance stores declined 1.7% year-on-year but increased 0.7% month-on-month.
NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said: “November showed modest growth on the surface, but you have to remember that the late timing of Thanksgiving delayed the beginning of the busiest portion of the holiday season and pushed Cyber Monday’s billions of dollars of retail sales into December.
“These numbers are more about the calendar than consumer confidence. Consumer spending has been solid and there’s still a lot of spending to be done. With strong employment and higher wages, we’re on track for a strong holiday season.”
According to US Census Bureau data, overall November sales increased 0.2 % seasonally adjusted from October and 3.3 % unadjusted year-on-year. The numbers include auto dealers, gas stations and restaurants.
