The CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, published by the National Retail Federation (NRF), shows that sales at clothing and accessories outlets rose by 0.63% between May and June, seasonally adjusted, and by 13.65% compared to June 2025, unadjusted.
This growth rate was the second-highest among the nine sectors tracked in the monthly retail sales index, followed by digital products.
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“The summer shopping season got off to a strong start in June. Consumers took advantage of summer sales events, and many began their back-to-school shopping early,” said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay.
“The capacity for retail spending has been supported by the sector’s focus on keeping prices accessible and by a stable labour market. Year-over-year improvements are especially notable, given the comparatively weak results seen in June 2025.”
Overall retail sales, excluding motor vehicle dealers and gas stations, increased 0.33% on a seasonally adjusted monthly basis and 9.41% on an unadjusted annual basis in June.
By comparison, May saw monthly gains of 0.42% and an annual increase of 7.19%.
Core retail sales, which excludes restaurants as well as auto dealers and gas stations, reported an increase of 0.36% from May to June and 10.08% compared with June 2025.
In May 2026, these figures stood at a 0.39% monthly increase and a 6.98% annual gain.
On a yearly basis, all major retail categories reported sales growth, with sporting goods, electronics, and apparel stores leading with 18.53% growth year over year.
Every category aside from electronics and appliance stores, and furniture and home furnishings stores, saw increases in sales on a monthly basis.
In the first half of the year, unadjusted total sales were up 6.81% year over year, while core retail sales rose by 6.84%.
