Retail Sales Fell by 0.2% in March, Up 5.2% YOY

Washington, DC, April 17, 2017—Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for March 2017 were $470.8 billion, a decrease of 0.2% from the previous month, and 5.2% above March 2016, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the January 2017 through March 2017 period were up 5.4% from the same period a year ago. The January 2017 to February 2017 percent change was revised from up 0.1% to down 0.3%.

Retail trade sales were down 0.2% from February 2017, and up 5.5% from last year. Gasoline stations sales were up 14.3% from March 2016, while Nonstore Retailers were up 11.9% from last year.