Retail Sales Rose by 0.5% in May

Washington, DC, June 14, 2016—Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for May were $455.6 billion, an increase of 0.5% from the previous month, and 2.5% above May 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the March 2016 through May 2016 period were up 2.4% from the same period a year ago. The March 2016 to April 2016 percent change was unrevised at up 1.3%.

Retail trade sales were up 0.4% from April 2016, and up 2.0% from last year. Nonstore retailers were up 12.2% from May 2015, while Health and Personal Care Stores were up 8.3% from last year.