According to data from the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions and released by the National Retail Federation (NRF), total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, rose by 0.28% on a seasonally adjusted basis from January to February.

Compared to the same period last year, sales were up 6.24% on an unadjusted basis.

In January, these figures stood at a 0.2% month-over-month increase and a 5.72% year-over-year rise.

Core retail sales, which exclude restaurants as well as auto dealers and gas stations, climbed 0.27% month over month in February and 5.87% compared to February 2025.

For January, core retail sales had grown by 0.15% month over month and 5.51% year over year.

For the first two months of 2026, total retail sales, including clothing were up 6.04% compared to the same period last year, while core sales increased by 5.76%.

Key sector details include:

• Clothing and accessories stores experienced a 0.66% increase from January on a seasonally adjusted basis and an 11.05% rise compared to February 2025 unadjusted.
• Sporting goods, hobby, music, and bookstores saw a slight decrease of 0.02% month over month on a seasonally adjusted basis, but were up 6.53% year over year unadjusted.
• General merchandise stores posted a 0.27% monthly increase on a seasonally adjusted basis and a 7.77% annual gain unadjusted.

On a yearly basis, eight out of nine retail categories saw growth in February, with clothing stores, health and personal care outlets, and general merchandise stores leading the increases. On a monthly basis, five categories recorded gains.

NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said: “Despite harsh winter weather, consumer spending grew once again in February, supported by continued wage gains and overall low unemployment levels.

“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.”

Imports at major US ports are projected to stay below 2025 levels during the first half of 2026 as the industry assesses the broader effects of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

According to the Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, US ports processed 2.08 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in January 2026, down 6.4% decline compared to January 2025.