According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), April retail industry sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted over March and 4.6 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Sales for March and April, the typical months for Easter purchases, increased 5.6 percent unadjusted over last year.
April statistics released by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (including non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations, and restaurants) increased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted over March and 9.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
The biggest increases were seen at building material and garden equipment stores with sales up 6.9 percent seasonally adjusted compared to March, and 14.1 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Health and personal care stores sales increased 0.9 percent seasonally adjusted from March and 3.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Clothing and clothing accessory store sales decreased 1.0 percent seasonally adjusted from March, but increased 5.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Electronics and appliance store sales decreased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month, but increased 4.4 percent unadjusted from last year.
