Retail Sales Down 0.3% in September But Up 4.1% YOY

Washington, DC, October 16, 2019-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for September 2019 were $525.6 billion, a decrease of 0.3% from the previous month, but 4.1% above September 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the July 2019 through September 2019 period were up 4.0% from the same period a year ago. The July 2019 to August 2019 percent change was revised from up 0.4% to up 0.6%.

Retail trade sales were down 0.3% from August 2019, but 4.0% above last year. Nonstore retailers were up 12.9% from September 2018, and miscellaneous stores were up 9.3% from last year.