Retail Sales Up 17.7% in May, but Still Down YOY

Washington, DC, June 16, 2020-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for May 2020 were $485.5 billion, an increase of 17.7% but 6.1% below May 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the March 2020 through May 2020 period were down 10.5% from the same period a year ago. The March 2020 to April 2020 percent change was revised from down 16.4% to down 14.7%.

Retail trade sales were up 16.8% from April 2020 but 1.4% below last year. Nonstore retailers were up 30.8% from May 2019, while building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers were up 16.4% from last year.