U.S. retail sales growth picked up pace in May 2026, underscoring resilient consumer demand in the world’s largest economy. Year-over-year retail sales rose 6.88% in May, up from a 4.87% annual increase recorded in April 2026, according to data updated on 17 June 2026.
The figures are based on year-over-year comparisons, with the current reading reflecting the change in May 2026 versus May 2025, and the previous reading capturing the change in April 2026 versus April 2025. The acceleration suggests that consumer spending, a key driver of U.S. economic activity, strengthened into late spring and may provide support to overall growth heading into the second half of the year.
