Retail Sales Declined 1.1% in July, Rose 15.8% YOY

Washington, DC, August 17, 2021-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for July 2021 were $617.7 billion, a decrease of 1.1% from the previous month, but 15.8% above July 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the May 2021 through July 2021 period were up 20.6% from the same period a year ago. The May 2021 to June 2021 percent change was revised from up 0.6% to up 0.7%.

Retail trade sales were down 1.5% from June 2021 but up 13.3% above last year. Clothing and clothing accessories stores were up 43.4% from July 2020, while food services and drinking places were up 38.4% from last year.