Retail sales increased for the 10th consecutive month in July as consumers continued spending despite mixed economic indicators, according to the latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor and released Monday by the National Retail Federation.

“Retail sales maintained their steady upward momentum in July as consumers kept shopping despite ups and downs in other economic indicators,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay says in a news release. “Supported by a low unemployment rate and steady wage gains, households remained budget conscious but took full advantage of midsummer sales and early back-to-school promotions to stretch their dollars. Retailers helped balance budgets by remaining committed to affordability, ensuring that everyday products remain accessible for American families.”

Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, increased 0.32% on a seasonally adjusted month-over-month (MoM) basis in July and rose 5.15% from a year earlier. That followed gains of 0.33% month over month and 9.41% year over year (YoY) in June.

Core retail sales, which also exclude restaurants, rose 0.3% MoM in July and 4.72% YoY. In June, core sales increased 0.36% from the previous month and 10.08% from a year earlier.

Through the first seven months of 2026, total retail sales were up 6.57% from the same period last year, while core sales increased 6.53%.

The Retail Monitor differs from survey-based retail sales figures collected by the Census Bureau because it is based on actual, anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions. The data does not require monthly or annual revisions.

Retail sales increased YoY in seven of the nine categories tracked by the Retail Monitor in July. Electronics stores, digital products and health and personal care stores posted the strongest gains.

Sales also increased from June in five of the nine categories, indicating that consumer spending remained broadly resilient despite slower YoY growth vs. the previous month.

Specifics from key sectors include:

  • Electronics and appliance stores: -0.05% MoM seasonally adj.; +12.04% YoY unadj.
  • Digital products (electronic books, games): +1.21% MoM seasonally adj.; +12.02% YoY unadj.
  • Health and personal care stores: +0.53% MoM seasonally adj.; +10.07% YoY unadj.
  • General merchandise stores: +0.47% MoM seasonally adj.; +8.3% YoY unadj.
  • Clothing and accessories stores: +0.51% MoM seasonally adj.; +6.55% YoY unadj.
  • Grocery and beverage stores: +0.46% MoM seasonally adj.; +4.52% YoY unadj.
  • Furniture and home furnishings stores: -0.04% MoM seasonally adj.; +2.71% YoY unadj.
  • Building and garden supply stores: -0.17% MoM seasonally adj.; -1.2% YoY unadj.
  • Sporting goods, hobby, music and bookstores: -0.47% MoM seasonally adj.; -3.01% YoY unadj.