NAICS 444 sales dipped in February 2025
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data released today, U.S. retail and food services sales hit $722.7 billion in Feb. 2025. That's up 0.2 percent from the previous month and up 3.1 percent from February 2024.
Retail trade sales also increased 0.5 percent from January 2025's numbers, and they're up 3.4 percent from last year.
Overall, the retail landscape has recently shown resilience despite uncertainty over inflation, tariffs, jobs and policies implemented by the new administration.
February's NAICS 444 sales, which comprise building material suppliers as well as garden equipment and supplies dealers, are down year-over-year and also month-over-month. Unadjusted Feb. 2025 sales for NAICS 444 tallied $31.859 billion, down from $33.097 billion registered in January 2025. Year-over-year, February 2025's figures are down compared to Feb. 2024's (unadjusted) sales of $33.820 billion.
National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said in a statement:
“Lower-than-expected consumer spending in the first couple of months of the year likely reflected payback for very strong spending in the fourth quarter and weather-related events since then. Moreover, these results show that households are apprehensive and carefully navigating lingering inflation and turmoil related to changing economic policies. Regardless of the softer spending, consumer fundamentals remain healthy and intact so far, supported by low unemployment, steady income growth and other household finances. American shoppers will likely continue to spend as long as unemployment remains low and job growth continues."
