Retail Sales Up 1.3% in April, According to Advance Estimate

Washington, DC, May 13, 2016—Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for April were $453.4 billion, an increase of 1.3% from the previous month, and 3.0% above April 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the February 2016 through April 2016 period were up 2.8% from the same period a year ago. The February 2016 to March 2016 percent change was revised from down 0.4% to down 0.3%.

Retail trade sales were up 1.4% from March 2016, and up 2.7% from last year. Nonstore retailers were up 10.2% from April 2015, while gasoline stations were down 9.4% from last year.