Retail Sales Rose 2.3% YOY in December

Washington, DC, February 14, 2019-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for December 2018 were $505.8 billion, a decrease of 1.2% from the previous month, but 2.3% above December 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the 12 months of 2018 were up 5.0% from 2017. Total sales for the October 2018 through December 2018 period were up 3.7% from the same period a year ago. The October 2018 to November 2018 percent change was revised from up 0.2% to up 0.1%.

Retail trade sales were down 1.3% from November 2018, but 2.1% above last year. Clothing and clothing accessories stores were up 4.7% from December 2017, while food services and drinking places were up 4.0% from last year.