Retail Sales Momentum Cooled in April

Washington, DC, May 14, 2021-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for April 2021 were $619.9 billion, virtually unchanged from the previous month, and 51.2% above April 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the February 2021 through April 2021 period were up 27.1% from the same period a year ago. The February 2021 to March 2021 percent change was revised from up 9.7% to up 10.7%.

Retail trade sales were down 0.3% from March 2021, but up 46.1% above last year. Clothing and clothing accessories stores were up 726.8% from April 2020, while food services and drinking places were up 116.8% from last year.