Retail Sales Up 1.7% in March, Up 4% YOY

Washington, DC, April 21, 2026-Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for March 2026 were $752.1 billion, up 1.7% from the previous month and up 4.0% from March 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

Total sales for the January 2026 through March 2026 period were up 3.7% from the same period a year ago. The January 2026 to February 2026 percent change was revised from up 0.6% to up 0.7%.

Retail trade sales were up 1.9% from February 2026, and up 4.2% from last year. Nonstore retailers were up 10.1% from last year, while food services and drinking places were up 2.4% from March 2025.