WASHINGTON — U.S. retail and food services sales rose 0.6% in August compared to the previous month, reaching an estimated $732.0 billion, according to advance figures released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Sales were 5.0% higher than August 2024, reflecting continued consumer spending momentum.
For the three-month period from June through August 2025, total sales climbed 4.5% compared to the same stretch last year. The July monthly growth rate was also revised slightly upward, from 0.5% to 0.6%.
Retail trade sales, which exclude food services, matched the overall monthly increase at 0.6% and rose 4.8% year over year. Nonstore retailers once again led the gains, with sales up 10.1% from August 2024, underscoring the ongoing strength of e-commerce. Food services and drinking places posted a 6.5% annual increase, pointing to steady consumer demand in dining and hospitality.
The August results highlight steady growth across retail categories as the sector heads into the critical fall shopping season.
