The United States' retail sector sees a notable deceleration as the latest figures reveal a modest growth of 0.2% in retail sales for April 2025, excluding gasoline and automobiles. This represents a significant drop from the previous month, March, where retail sales recorded a robust growth of 1.1%. The latest data, updated on May 15, 2025, paints a picture of a cooling consumer spending trend indicating possible concerns about the future direction of the U.S. economy.
For the month-over-month analysis, the retail sales growth without gas and autos fell to its lowest point in the last two months. While March showed a vigorous economic engagement by consumers, April's data suggests a cautious approach, possibly reflecting rising economic uncertainty or shifts in consumer priorities.
Retail indicators excluding volatile sectors such as gas and autos often offer a clearer view of underlying consumer trends. The subdued growth in April signals potential headwinds for retail businesses and policymakers, drawing attention to the need for strategies that stimulate consumer confidence and spending moving forward. The month-over-month comparison underscores the imminent challenges the sector might face if the cooling trend continues.
