NRF: Retail sales up in September

WASHINGTON, D.C. — There’s good news for the upcoming holiday selling season. The National Retail Federation said September retail sales — excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants — increased 0.4%, seasonally adjusted from August and 2.1% unadjusted year-over-year.

NRF said that back-to-school spending was “robust” and a series of new, technology-led product launches helped retailers in September. U.S. Department of Commerce data showed September retail sales and food service sales up 1.1% seasonally adjusted month to month, and 5.4% unadjusted year over year. 

Other findings from NRF’s September retail sales report showed that general merchandise stores’ sales increased 0.3% seasonally adjusted month to month but decreased 1.2% unadjusted year over year. Health and personal care stores’ sales increased 0.4% seasonally adjusted yet decreased 2% unadjusted.