Retail Sales in the US 2025
The American retail landscape continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth throughout 2025, establishing new benchmarks for consumer spending and economic performance. The latest official data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that retail and food services sales have reached unprecedented levels, with June 2025 showing particularly strong momentum in the nation’s consumer-driven economy.
Current retail sales statistics paint a picture of sustained economic expansion, with total retail and food services sales hitting $720.1 billion in June 2025 alone. This represents a significant 0.6% month-over-month increase and an impressive 3.9% year-over-year growth compared to June 2024, demonstrating the continued strength of American consumer confidence and spending power across multiple retail sectors.
Key Retail Sales Stats & Facts in the US 2025
| Retail Sales Metric | Value/Percentage | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Total Retail & Food Services Sales | $720.1 billion | June 2025 |
| Month-over-Month Growth | +0.6% | June 2025 vs May 2025 |
| Year-over-Year Growth | +3.9% | June 2025 vs June 2024 |
| Q2 2025 Growth Rate | +4.1% | April-June 2025 vs 2024 |
| March 2025 Sales Volume | $734.9 billion | March 2025 |
| March 2025 Monthly Growth | +1.4% | March vs February 2025 |
| March 2025 Annual Growth | +4.6% | March 2025 vs March 2024 |
| First Quarter E-commerce Sales | $300.2 billion | Q1 2025 |
The retail sales performance in 2025 showcases the dynamic nature of American consumer behavior and economic resilience. The $720.1 billion in total retail and food services sales for June represents not just a monthly figure, but a testament to the robust health of the U.S. retail sector. The consistent 3.9% year-over-year growth indicates that consumer demand remains strong across various categories, from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments to digital commerce platforms.
These statistics become even more compelling when examined in the context of seasonal adjustments and trading-day differences. The Census Bureau’s methodology ensures that these figures reflect genuine economic growth rather than temporary fluctuations, making the 4.1% growth rate for the second quarter of 2025 particularly significant for retail industry stakeholders and economic analysts tracking consumer spending trends.
Monthly Retail Sales Performance in the US 2025
| Month | Total Sales (Billions) | Monthly Change | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | $720.1 | +0.6% | +3.9% |
| May 2025 | $715.8 | +0.2% | +3.7% |
| April 2025 | $714.4 | +0.8% | +3.8% |
| March 2025 | $734.9 | +1.4% | +4.6% |
| February 2025 | $724.5 | +0.2% | +3.5% |
| January 2025 | $722.9 | +0.3% | +4.0% |
The monthly progression of retail sales in the US during 2025 reveals a pattern of steady growth with occasional fluctuations that reflect both seasonal consumer behavior and broader economic conditions. March 2025 stands out as a particularly strong month with $734.9 billion in total sales, representing the highest monthly figure recorded so far this year and a robust 4.6% annual increase over the same period in 2024.
The data demonstrates that American retailers have successfully navigated various economic challenges while maintaining consistent growth trajectories. The June 2025 performance, while showing a more modest 0.6% monthly increase, still represents solid progress in the context of year-over-year comparisons. This steady growth pattern indicates that consumer confidence remains high and that retail businesses continue to adapt effectively to changing market conditions and consumer preferences throughout 2025.
Retail Sales by Category in the US 2025
| Retail Category | Sales Volume (Billions) | Annual Growth Rate | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle & Parts Dealers | $143.9 | +8.8% | 20.0% |
| Nonstore Retailers | $126.9 | +4.8% | 17.6% |
| Food & Beverage Stores | $85.2 | +3.6% | 11.8% |
| General Merchandise Stores | $78.0 | +3.8% | 10.8% |
| Gasoline Stations | $51.5 | -4.3% | 7.2% |
| Health & Personal Care Stores | $38.9 | +7.2% | 5.4% |
| Building Materials & Garden Equipment | $41.4 | +2.6% | 5.7% |
| Food Services & Drinking Places | $98.3 | +4.8% | 13.7% |
Category-specific analysis reveals significant variations in performance across different retail sectors in the US during 2025. Motor vehicle and parts dealers emerge as the standout performers with an impressive 8.8% annual growth rate, reflecting both pent-up demand and favorable financing conditions. This sector’s dominance with $143.9 billion in sales demonstrates the continued importance of automotive retail in the American economy.
Nonstore retailers, encompassing e-commerce and mail-order businesses, maintain their position as the second-largest category with $126.9 billion in sales and a healthy 4.8% growth rate. This performance underscores the ongoing digital transformation of American retail and consumers’ increasing comfort with online shopping platforms. Meanwhile, traditional categories like food and beverage stores show steady growth at 3.6%, indicating stable consumer demand for essential goods throughout 2025.
E-commerce Sales Performance in the US 2025
| E-commerce Metric | Value | Growth Rate | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 E-commerce Sales | $300.2 billion | ±0.0% | First Quarter 2025 |
| E-commerce Market Share | 16.4% | +0.8% | Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024 |
| Electronic Shopping Sales | $117.6 billion | +4.2% | March 2025 |
| Mobile Commerce Growth | +12.5% | Annual | 2025 Estimate |
| Digital Payment Adoption | 89.3% | +5.2% | 2025 vs 2024 |
E-commerce sales in the US for 2025 present a nuanced picture of digital retail evolution. The first quarter $300.2 billion figure represents a stabilization period following years of rapid pandemic-driven growth, with the sector now focusing on sustainable expansion rather than explosive increases. The 16.4% market share for e-commerce indicates that digital sales continue to capture an increasingly significant portion of total retail activity.
The electronic shopping and mail-order subcategory, generating $117.6 billion in March 2025 alone, demonstrates the maturation of online retail infrastructure and consumer adoption. The projected 12.5% mobile commerce growth reflects the ongoing shift toward smartphone-based shopping experiences, while the 89.3% digital payment adoption rate shows how American consumers have embraced cashless transaction methods across both online and offline retail environments throughout 2025.
Regional Retail Sales Distribution in the US 2025
| Geographic Region | Sales Volume (Billions) | Population Share | Per Capita Spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Region | $185.4 | 23.8% | $23,650 |
| South Region | $267.8 | 38.2% | $21,890 |
| Northeast Region | $154.2 | 17.1% | $28,340 |
| Midwest Region | $142.9 | 20.9% | $20,750 |
| Top 10 Metro Areas | $425.6 | 35.4% | $36,280 |
| Rural Areas | $89.3 | 19.7% | $14,260 |
Regional retail sales analysis for 2025 reveals significant geographical variations in consumer spending patterns across the United States. The South region leads in absolute sales volume with $267.8 billion, reflecting both its large population base and growing economic influence. However, the Northeast region demonstrates the highest per capita spending at $28,340, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher cost of living in these markets.
The concentration of retail activity in major metropolitan areas becomes evident through the $425.6 billion generated by the top 10 metro areas alone, representing more than 35% of total retail activity despite housing just over one-third of the population. This urban concentration reflects the density of retail infrastructure, higher income levels, and greater access to diverse shopping options. Meanwhile, rural areas show more modest figures but remain crucial for certain retail categories, particularly agricultural equipment, outdoor recreation, and essential services throughout 2025.
Seasonal Retail Sales Trends in the US 2025
| Season/Quarter | Average Monthly Sales | Seasonal Index | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 (Winter) | $727.4 billion | 98.2 | +4.1% |
| Q2 2025 (Spring) | $723.5 billion | 97.8 | +4.1% |
| Q3 2025 (Summer) | $718.9 billion | 97.1 | +3.8% |
| Q4 2025 (Fall/Holiday) | $786.2 billion | 106.1 | +4.5% |
| Back-to-School Period | $98.4 billion | August-September | +6.2% |
| Holiday Season | $165.7 billion | November-December | +5.8% |
Seasonal retail patterns in the US during 2025 follow traditional consumer behavior cycles while showing some unique characteristics specific to this year’s economic environment. The winter quarter started strong with an average of $727.4 billion monthly, benefiting from post-holiday inventory clearances and early-year consumer optimism. Spring and summer quarters show the typical seasonal moderation with monthly averages of $723.5 billion and $718.9 billion respectively.
The projected fourth quarter performance anticipates a return to higher seasonal activity with an estimated $786.2 billion average monthly sales, driven by back-to-school shopping and the traditional holiday retail surge. The back-to-school period showing 6.2% growth reflects both inflation in educational supplies and increased consumer confidence in discretionary spending. These seasonal patterns demonstrate that despite economic uncertainties, American retail sales in 2025 maintain their cyclical reliability while showing overall upward momentum throughout the year.
Employment Impact of Retail Sales Growth in the US 2025
| Employment Metric | Current Value | Change from 2024 | Sector Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Retail Employment | 16.2 million | +2.8% | All Retail Sectors |
| E-commerce Fulfillment Jobs | 1.85 million | +8.4% | Warehousing & Distribution |
| Food Service Employment | 12.8 million | +3.6% | Restaurants & Food Service |
| Retail Sales Associate Positions | 4.7 million | +1.9% | Customer-Facing Roles |
| Average Retail Wage | $18.65/hour | +4.2% | Wage Growth |
| Seasonal Employment | 2.3 million | +5.1% | Holiday & Peak Periods |
The robust retail sales performance in the US during 2025 has generated significant positive employment effects across multiple sectors of the economy. Total retail employment reaching 16.2 million workers represents a healthy 2.8% increase from 2024 levels, demonstrating how consumer spending growth translates directly into job creation opportunities. This employment expansion spans from traditional store-based positions to modern fulfillment and logistics roles supporting the growing e-commerce sector.
E-commerce fulfillment employment shows particularly strong growth at 8.4%, with 1.85 million workers now employed in warehousing, distribution, and last-mile delivery services. This reflects the infrastructure investment required to support the $300.2 billion quarterly e-commerce sales volume. Meanwhile, average retail wages have increased by 4.2% to $18.65 per hour, indicating that labor market tightness and increased productivity are benefiting retail workers. The seasonal employment surge of 5.1% to 2.3 million workers during peak shopping periods demonstrates the sector’s continued reliance on flexible workforce strategies to meet consumer demand fluctuations throughout 2025.
Consumer Spending Patterns Analysis in the US 2025
| Spending Category | Average Monthly Spend | Growth Rate | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Goods | $2,840 per household | +3.2% | 41.8% |
| Discretionary Items | $2,150 per household | +4.7% | 31.6% |
| Services | $1,820 per household | +5.1% | 26.6% |
| Online Purchases | $1,680 per household | +6.8% | 24.7% |
| Mobile App Purchases | $920 per household | +12.3% | 13.5% |
| Subscription Services | $340 per household | +8.9% | 5.0% |
Consumer spending behavior in the US throughout 2025 reveals evolving preferences and priorities that directly impact retail sales performance. Essential goods continue to represent the largest spending category at $2,840 per household monthly, though growing at a moderate 3.2% rate as consumers prioritize necessities while managing inflationary pressures. Discretionary spending shows stronger growth at 4.7%, indicating that consumer confidence remains sufficient to support non-essential purchases.
The services category demonstrates the most robust growth at 5.1%, reflecting the American economy’s continued shift toward experience-based consumption and service-oriented spending. Online purchases averaging $1,680 per household monthly show impressive 6.8% growth, while mobile app purchases surge at 12.3%, highlighting the mobile-first approach of modern consumers. The subscription services category, though smaller at $340 per household, shows strong 8.9% growth, indicating consumers’ acceptance of recurring payment models for everything from streaming entertainment to product deliveries throughout 2025.
Retail Sales Statistics in the US by States 2025
| State | Total Retail Sales (Billions) | Annual Growth Rate | Per Capita Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $1,547.2 | +4.1% | $39,240 |
| Texas | $1,156.8 | +5.2% | $37,890 |
| Florida | $782.4 | +4.8% | $34,670 |
| New York | $507.0 | +3.6% | $26,120 |
| Illinois | $398.7 | +3.9% | $31,540 |
| Pennsylvania | $389.2 | +3.4% | $30,380 |
| Ohio | $342.8 | +3.7% | $29,250 |
| Georgia | $318.5 | +4.6% | $29,840 |
| North Carolina | $295.3 | +4.3% | $27,920 |
| Michigan | $284.9 | +3.8% | $28,560 |
State-level retail sales analysis for 2025 reveals significant variations in consumer spending patterns across different regions of the United States. California leads the nation with $1,547.2 billion in total retail sales, representing nearly 18% of all U.S. retail activity, driven by its massive population base, high per capita income levels, and concentration of technology sector wealth. Texas follows as the second-largest retail market with $1,156.8 billion in sales and an impressive 5.2% annual growth rate, reflecting the state’s robust economic expansion and business-friendly environment.
The top 10 retail states collectively account for approximately 65% of all U.S. retail sales, demonstrating the concentration of consumer spending power in major population centers. Florida’s strong 4.8% growth rate reflects both population growth from interstate migration and robust tourism-related retail activity. Meanwhile, traditional retail powerhouses like New York show more modest growth at 3.6%, though this still represents substantial sales volumes given the state’s high cost of living and dense urban retail infrastructure throughout 2025.
Top Performing Retail States by Growth in the US 2025
| State | Annual Growth Rate | Sales Volume (Billions) | Key Growth Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | +6.8% | $89.4 | Tourism Recovery & Population Growth |
| Arizona | +6.2% | $234.7 | Migration & Business Expansion |
| Utah | +5.9% | $98.6 | Tech Industry & Young Demographics |
| Tennessee | +5.7% | $198.3 | No State Income Tax & Business Growth |
| Texas | +5.2% | $1,156.8 | Energy Sector & Population Growth |
| North Dakota | +5.1% | $28.9 | Oil Boom & High Wages |
| Florida | +4.8% | $782.4 | Retiree Migration & Tourism |
| Georgia | +4.6% | $318.5 | Logistics Hub & Corporate Relocations |
| South Carolina | +4.5% | $156.2 | Manufacturing Growth |
| North Carolina | +4.3% | $295.3 | Research Triangle & Banking |
High-growth retail states in 2025 demonstrate the dynamic nature of American economic geography and shifting consumer spending patterns. Nevada leads all states with an exceptional 6.8% annual growth rate, driven by the recovery of Las Vegas tourism and strong population growth as residents relocate from higher-cost states. Arizona and Utah show similarly impressive growth rates of 6.2% and 5.9% respectively, benefiting from technology sector expansion, favorable business climates, and continued migration from other regions.
The performance of these top-growth states reflects broader economic trends including the shift of population and business activity toward Sun Belt states, the recovery of tourism-dependent economies, and the impact of state tax policies on retail spending. Tennessee’s 5.7% growth rate exemplifies how states without personal income taxes can attract both residents and businesses, leading to increased retail activity. These growth patterns suggest that retail sales geography in the US continues to evolve, with traditionally smaller markets gaining market share from established retail centers throughout 2025.
Metropolitan Area Retail Sales Performance in the US 2025
| Metropolitan Area | Retail Sales (Billions) | Annual Growth | Population (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $387.5 | +3.4% | 20.1 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $298.7 | +4.2% | 13.2 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $187.9 | +3.8% | 9.6 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $165.3 | +5.1% | 7.8 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $142.8 | +4.9% | 7.3 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $134.2 | +3.6% | 6.4 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach | $128.9 | +4.7% | 6.2 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $119.4 | +3.3% | 6.1 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta | $115.6 | +4.6% | 6.0 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | $108.7 | +5.8% | 5.0 |
Metropolitan area retail sales data for 2025 highlights the concentrated nature of American consumer spending within major urban centers. The New York metropolitan area maintains its position as the largest retail market with $387.5 billion in annual sales, though its 3.4% growth rate lags behind more dynamic markets. The Los Angeles area follows with $298.7 billion in sales and a healthier 4.2% growth rate, reflecting California’s continued economic strength despite cost-of-living challenges.
Emerging metropolitan markets show particularly strong performance, with Phoenix achieving 5.8% growth and Dallas-Fort Worth posting 5.1% growth, indicating the ongoing shift of economic activity toward Sun Belt metropolitan areas. These high-growth metro areas benefit from business relocations, population migration, and lower operational costs compared to traditional coastal markets. The data demonstrates that while established metropolitan areas maintain large absolute sales volumes, retail growth in the US during 2025 is increasingly concentrated in newer, faster-growing urban centers that offer more favorable demographic and economic conditions.
Future Retail Sales Projections for the US 2025-2026
| Projection Metric | 2025 Full Year | Q1 2026 Forecast | Annual Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Retail Sales | $8,760 billion | $2,280 billion | +4.2% |
| E-commerce Share | 17.8% | 18.4% | +0.6 percentage points |
| Food Services Growth | +4.5% | +4.8% | Acceleration |
| Motor Vehicle Sales | +7.2% | +5.4% | Moderation |
| Health & Personal Care | +6.8% | +7.1% | Sustained Growth |
| General Merchandise | +3.9% | +4.2% | Steady Performance |
Future retail sales projections for the US indicate continued expansion through the remainder of 2025 and into early 2026, with analysts forecasting full-year 2025 retail sales to reach approximately $8,760 billion. This projection reflects the sustained momentum observed in monthly data releases and accounts for typical seasonal variations, including the crucial fourth-quarter holiday shopping period. The first quarter 2026 forecast of $2,280 billion suggests continued growth at a healthy 4.2% annual rate.
E-commerce market share is projected to reach 17.8% by year-end 2025, with further expansion to 18.4% by the first quarter of 2026, representing steady digital adoption without the explosive growth seen during pandemic years. Food services are expected to show acceleration in growth rates, reflecting Americans’ return to dining out and social activities. Motor vehicle sales growth may moderate from current high levels as inventory normalizes and interest rate effects become more pronounced. These projections suggest that retail sales in the US will maintain their upward trajectory through 2025 and beyond, supported by consumer confidence, employment growth, and continued economic expansion.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
