CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows 10th Month of Sales Growth in July

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2026 — Retail sales rose again in July, marking the 10th consecutive month of gains, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today 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 said. “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, were up 0.32% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 5.15% unadjusted year over year in July, according to the Retail Monitor. That compared with increases of 0.33% month over month and 9.41% year over year in June.

The Retail Monitor calculation of core retail sales (excluding restaurants in addition to auto dealers and gas stations) was up 0.3% month over month in July and was up 4.72% year over year. That compared with increases of 0.36% month over month and 10.08% year over year in June.

Total sales were up 6.57% year over year during the first seven months of the year, and core sales were up 6.53%.

Unlike survey-based numbers collected by the Census Bureau, the Retail Monitor uses actual, anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions and does not need to be revised monthly or annually.

July sales were up in all but two of nine categories on a yearly basis, led by electronics stores, digital products and health and personal care stores, and were up in all but four categories on a monthly basis. Specifics from key sectors include:

• Electronics and appliance stores were down 0.05% month over month seasonally adjusted but up 12.04% year over year unadjusted.

• Digital products (such as electronic books and games) were up 1.21% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 12.02% year over year unadjusted.

• Health and personal care stores were up 0.53% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 10.07% year over year unadjusted.

• General merchandise stores were up 0.47% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 8.3% year over year unadjusted.

• Clothing and accessories stores were up 0.51% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 6.55% year over year unadjusted.

• Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.46% month over month seasonally adjusted and up 4.52% year over year unadjusted.

• Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.04% month over month seasonally adjusted but up 2.71% year over year unadjusted.

• Building and garden supply stores were down 0.17% month over month seasonally adjusted and down 1.2% year over year unadjusted.

• Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were down 0.47% month over month seasonally adjusted and down 3.01% year over year unadjusted.

To learn more, visit nrf.com/nrf/cnbc-retail-monitor.

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on retail sales each month and also forecasts annual retail sales and spending for key periods such as the holiday season each year.

About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com