Retail Sales Decreased from October but Rose 4.1% YOY

Washington, DC, December 16, 2020-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for November 2020 were $546.5 billion, a decrease of 1.1% from the previous month, but 4.1% above November 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the September 2020 through November 2020 period were up 5.2% from the same period a year ago. The September 2020 to October 2020 percent change was revised from up 0.3% to down 0.1%.

Retail trade sales were down 0.8% from October 2020, but 7.1% above last year. Nonstore retailers were up 29.2% from November 2019, while food services and drinking places were down 17.2% from last year.