US retail sales rise 6.2% in February

Retail sales nationwide were up 6.2% in February from a year ago and ticked up 0.3% from the prior month, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Sales were up 5.7% in January, and are up 6.04% in the first two months of the year.

“Despite harsh winter weather, consumer spending grew once again in February, supported by continued wage gains and overall low unemployment levels,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. “With renewed fighting in the Middle East and its impact on global economies, retailers remain heavily focused on delivering products at competitive prices to value-conscious consumers.”

He said February marked the fifth consecutive month of sales growth, with strong year-over-year gains. Sales growth also likely outpaced inflation, which was expected to be 2.7% in February, according to Numerator’s Consumer Goods Price Index, which provides an advanced reading of inflation trends with consumer goods.

“February’s data is a reminder that the path back to price stability won’t be linear,” said Paul Stanley, a senior economist at Numerator. “After some welcome relief in January, inflation reaccelerated in February, and the uptick suggests that cost pressures on everyday essentials remain high. Consumers are still navigating a choppy pricing environment, particularly lower-income and younger households who continue to feel a disproportionate impact.”

NRF’s calculation of core retail sales – excluding restaurants, auto dealers, and gas stations – was up 0.27% month over month in February and up 5.87% year over year. Core retail sales are up 5.76% for the first two months of 2026.

Sales data in this report was compiled through credit and debit card purchases during the month as tracked by Affinity Solutions on behalf of the NRF. February sales were up in all but one of nine categories on an annual basis, led by apparel sales. The category sales specifics are listed below:
Clothing and accessories sales, up 11.05%
Health and personal care sales, up 9.3%
General merchandise sales, up 7.7%
Sporting goods, hobby, music, book sales, up 6.5%
Grocery and beverage sales, up 4.57%
Electronics and appliance sales, up 4.37%
Furniture, home furnishings sales, up 3.07%
Digital products, electronic books, games sales, up 2.3%
Building, garden supply sales, down 5.7%