U.S. retail inventories excluding autos declined in June 2026, reversing the modest buildup seen a month earlier. The indicator fell to -0.2% in June, down from a 0.2% increase recorded in May 2026, according to data updated on 28 July 2026.
The shift from positive to negative inventory growth suggests retailers may have adjusted stock levels lower after earlier accumulation, potentially in response to demand patterns or efforts to streamline holdings. While the move is modest in size, changes in retail inventories ex auto are closely watched as a gauge of underlying consumption trends and their impact on overall economic momentum.
