In a notable shift, retail inventories in the United States, excluding the automotive sector, rose by 0.3% in October 2025. This comes after a stagnant period in September where the inventories had recorded a growth rate of 0.0%. The updated data, reflecting a significant adjustment in the inventory trends, was released on January 14, 2026.
The pickup in retail inventories is a positive signal for the U.S. economy, indicating a potential rebound in consumer demand that may have been impacted by previous supply chain disruptions. As retailers prepare for the holiday shopping season, this inventory increase could signal optimism among retailers about consumer spending recovery.
This latest data serves as an important economic indicator, providing insights into the overall health of the retail sector, excluding the volatile automotive industry. Analysts will be watching closely to see if this upward trend continues, as it could have broader implications for economic growth in the coming months.
