U.S. Retail Sales Surprise With 0.6% November Gain
U.S. retail sales rose 0.6% in November, led by clothing, autos and online purchases; report delayed by shutdown amid easing inflation and mixed sector results.
Overview
Commerce Department: U.S. retail sales climbed 0.6% in November, reversing October's 0.1% decline; report was delayed by a 43-day federal government shutdown.
Spending rose broadly: clothing +0.9%, sporting goods +1.9%, online sales +0.4%; furniture slipped and electronics were flat, signaling mixed consumer preferences for gifts over big-ticket items.
Control-group retail sales, excluding volatile sectors, increased 0.4%—a stronger-than-expected signal supporting fourth-quarter GDP growth and suggesting resilient household spending into year-end.
Auto dealers and gas stations helped lift sales—auto sales notable—while restaurants rose 0.6%; analysts cite larger tax refunds and easing inflation as potential 2026 supports.
National Retail Federation expects November–December sales up 3.7–4.2%; retailers await December data and quarterly results from Walmart, Target and others for a fuller holiday picture.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this retail-sales story neutrally, relying on official Commerce and Labor Department data, measured language, and balanced sourcing (economic analysts, industry groups, and company statements). They avoid inflammatory terms, attribute opinions to named experts, and disclose data limitations (partial snapshot, shutdown effects), producing a factual, nonpartisan account.
Sources (4)
FAQ
U.S. retail sales rose 0.6% in November, reversing October's 0.1% decline.
Growth was led by clothing (+0.9%), sporting goods (+1.9%), autos (notable increase), and online sales (+0.4%); restaurants rose 0.6%.
The report was delayed by a 43-day federal government shutdown.
Control-group retail sales, excluding volatile sectors, increased 0.4%, signaling stronger-than-expected support for fourth-quarter GDP growth.
The National Retail Federation expects November–December sales up 3.7–4.2%.
History
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