U.S. Retail Sales Made Broad Gains in July

Washington, DC, August 13, 2015—Advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for July were $446.5 billion, an increase of 0.6% from the previous month, and up 2.4% above July 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Total sales for the May 2015 through July 2015 period were up 2.3% from the same period a year ago. The May 2015 to June 2015 percent change was revised from -0.3% to virtually unchanged.

Retail trade sales were up 0.6% from June 2015, and up 1.6% above last year. Food services and drinking places were up 9.0% from July 2014 and motor vehicle and parts dealers were up 6.9% from last year.