Retail and food services sales saw an increase in August while the July number was revised. According to the report by the US Census Bureau, for August 2019, advance estimates of US retail and food services sales, after adjustments, were $526.1 billion, up 0.4% from July 2019 and up 4.1% from August 2018.
The increase in July 2019 sales compared to June 2019 was revised to 0.8% from 0.7%. Total sales for the period from June-August 2019 increased 3.7% from the same period a year ago. The numbers provide relief amid concerns of a global recession and other economic challenges.
Retail trade sales, after adjustments, amounted to $461.9 billion in August, up 0.6% from last month and 4.6% from last year. Motor vehicle and parts dealers sales totaled $106.1 billion, reflecting increases of 1.8% and 6.8% from last month and last year, respectively.
Furniture and home furnishing stores sales dipped 0.5% from July to $9.71 billion, but rose 0.1% from last August. Electronics and appliance stores sales remained flat in August compared to July at $8.19 billion but dipped 3.5% from August 2018.
Sales from food and beverage stores totaled $65.7 billion, down 0.2% from July and up 4.3% from last August. Health and personal care stores sales amounted to $30 billion, an increase of 0.7% from July 2019 and 3.7% from August 2018. Clothing and clothing accessories stores sales dipped 0.9% to $22.5 billion from July but increased 0.4% from August 2018.