New data from the CNBC and National Retail Federation Retail Monitor shows retail sales rising in October, offering encouraging signs as the holiday shopping season begins. The report found that overall retail sales, excluding auto dealers and fuel, increased both month over month and year over year. Core retail sales, which also exclude restaurants, followed a similar trend.
Industry leaders note that consumer spending has remained steady even as broader economic indicators have been mixed. Factors such as continued wage growth, low unemployment, and strong financial markets have helped support shopper confidence as families prepare for holiday purchases.
According to the Retail Monitor, sales grew across most major categories. Digital products led year-over-year growth, followed by clothing, sporting goods, general merchandise, and electronics. Grocery and health-related categories also saw moderate increases. Only furniture and building supply stores reported declines compared with last year.
The positive October results come as NRF projects holiday sales to exceed one trillion dollars in 2025. Unlike survey-based measurements, the Retail Monitor uses anonymized credit and debit card data to provide a current view of consumer spending patterns.
Retailers across Washington can use these insights as they plan for the final weeks of the year.
