Retail Sales Rose 0.7% in August

Washington, DC, September 16, 2021-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for August 2021 were $618.7 billion, an increase of 0.7% from the previous month and 15.1% above August 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the June 2021 through August 2021 period were up 16.3% from the same period a year ago. The June 2021 to July 2021 percent change was revised from down 1.1% to down 1.8%.

Retail trade sales were up 0.8% from July 2021, and up 13.1% above last year. Clothing and clothing accessories stores were up 38.8% from August 2020, while gasoline stations were up 35.7% from last year.