Retail & Food Services Sales Rose in August

Washington, DC, September 15, 2015—Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for August were $447.7 billion, an increase of 0.2% from the previous month, and 2.2% above August 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the June 2015 through August 2015 period were up 2.2% from the same period a year ago. The June 2015 to July 2015 percent change was revised from +0.6% to +0.7%.

Retail trade sales were up 0.1% from July 2015, and 1.4% above last year.

Food services and drinking places were up 8.2% from August 2014 and nonstore retailers were up 6.9% from last year.