Retail Sales Rose 0.6% in June, 18% YOY

Washington, DC, July 16, 2021-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for June 2021 were $621.3 billion, an increase of 0.6% from the previous month and 18.0% above June 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the April 2021 through June 2021 period were up 31.5% from the same period a year ago. The April 2021 to May 2021 percent change was revised from down 1.3% to down 1.7%.

Retail trade sales were up 0.3% from May 2021, and up 15.6% above last year. Clothing and clothing accessories stores were up 47.1% from June 2020, while food services and drinking places were up 40.2% from last year.

Says the Wall Street Journal, “U.S. shoppers likely boosted spending at retailers in June, but weak auto sales linked to supply disruptions could have restrained revenue gains. Economists estimate the Commerce Department will report today that retail sales-a measure of purchases online, at stores and at restaurants-fell by 0.4% last month compared with May. An overall June decline would mark the second month of lower retail sales. Excluding autos-a sometimes volatile category of products-sales are estimated to have risen by 0.4% in the same period.”