Retail Sales Inched Up 0.1% in May

Washington, DC, June 18, 2024--Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for May 2024 were $703.1 billion, up 0.1% from the previous month and up 2.3% above May 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the March 2024 through May 2024 period were up 2.9% from the same period a year ago. The March 2024 to April 2024 percent change was revised from virtually unchanged to down 0.2%.

Retail trade sales were up 0.2% from April 2024, and up 2.0% above last year. Nonstore retailers were up 6.8% from last year, while food services and drinking places were up 3.8% from May 2023.