WASHINGTON, D.C. — Retail sales increased for a fifth consecutive month in February, with modest gains from January and stronger growth compared with a year earlier, according to data released by the National Retail Federation.
The CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor reported that total retail sales — excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations — rose 0.28% month over month and 6.24% year over year.
“Despite harsh winter weather, consumer spending grew once again in February, supported by continued wage gains and overall low unemployment levels,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “This was the fifth consecutive month that sales rose from the month before, and year-over-year gains were strong. With renewed fighting in the Middle East and its impact on global economies, retailers remain heavily focused on delivering products at competitive prices to value conscious consumers.”
Core retail sales, which also exclude restaurants, increased 0.27% from January and were up 5.87% compared with February 2025, the report found.
For the first two months of 2026, total retail sales were up 6.04% year over year, while core sales rose 5.76%.
The Retail Monitor uses anonymized credit and debit card purchase data, rather than survey estimates, to track consumer spending.
Sales increased in most major categories on an annual basis, with clothing and accessories stores leading the gains, rising 11.05% year over year. Health and personal care stores increased 9.33%, while general merchandise stores were up 7.77%.
Other sectors, including grocery and beverage stores and digital products, also posted gains compared with a year earlier. However, building and garden supply stores saw a decline, falling 5.75% year over year.
On a monthly basis, results were mixed, with increases in five of nine categories and slight declines in others, including electronics and furniture.
The report suggests continued consumer resilience despite economic uncertainties and seasonal challenges.
