U.S. retail sales advanced in July by the most this year, with widespread gains from department stores to building materials outlets that signal a robust start to consumer spending in the third quarter, according to Commerce Department figures released Tuesday.
Overall sales climbed 0.6% (est. 0.3% gain) after a 0.3% advance in prior month (revised from a 0.2% decline). Sales excluding autos and gasoline rose 0.5% after a 0.3% rise. Retail-control group sales, which are used to calculate GDP and exclude the categories of food services, auto dealers, building materials stores and gasoline stations, increased 0.6% following a 0.1% gain.
Stronger Spending
Americans spent more freely in July and upward revisions to sales in the prior two months show strong hiring, limited inflation and low borrowing costs are improving purchasing power. The acceleration bodes well for consumption, which accounts for about 70 percent of the economy.
Auto dealerships and non-store retailers saw the biggest sales increases this year. Internet-driven purchases probably received a boost from the spike in online shopping tied to Amazon.com’s Prime Day event.
Sales strengthened in other categories as well. Receipts at department stores were up by the most in six months, and purchases increased the most since February at sporting goods retailers and building-supply outlets.
Gasoline stations, electronics merchants and clothing chains were the only categories to show sales declines in July. Commerce Department figures aren’t adjusted for prices, so cheaper fuel costs depress results. The retail sales data capture just under half of all household purchases.
News by Bloomberg, additional reporting by ESM. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
