US Retail Sales Surge 1.2% in August, Beating Expectations
WHO:
Bloomberg - Forrester analyst Sucharita Kodali discusses consumer spending trends.
IJR - US consumers are involved in the retail sales increase.
Bloomberg - Michael McKee reports from Washington.
WHAT:
IJR - US retail sales rose 1.2% in August.
IJR - The increase exceeded the forecast of 0.8%.
IJR - Ex-auto sales increased by 1.4%.
IJR - Year-over-year growth in retail sales was 6.0%.
Bloomberg - Twelve of 13 retail categories reported increases.
WHERE:
Bloomberg - The report is from Washington.
WHEN:
IJR - The retail sales data pertains to August.
WHY:
Bloomberg - Higher-income shoppers continue to spend, while rising gas costs are impacting lower-income households.
Bloomberg - The increase in retail sales was boosted by back-to-school shopping and consumer spending despite higher gasoline prices.
HOW:
Bloomberg - Walmart, Costco, and Amazon are expected to gain more ground this holiday season as middle-tier retailers struggle.
Bloomberg - The broad rise in retail sales indicates consumer spending patterns.
(UPDATED September 16, 2026 19:04 UTC)
Forrester analyst Sucharita Kodali recently discussed consumer spending trends, highlighting a divide between higher and lower-income shoppers. While those with higher incomes continue to spend, rising gas costs are affecting the purchasing power of lower-income households. As a result, major retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon are anticipated to gain more ground this holiday season, while middle-tier retailers face challenges.
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(UPDATED September 16, 2026 18:03 UTC)
Retail sales in the U.S. saw a significant increase of 1.2% in August, surpassing the forecast of 0.8%, with twelve of thirteen retail categories reporting gains. Excluding auto sales, the increase was even more pronounced at 1.4%, contributing to a year-over-year growth of 6.0%. This boost in retail activity is attributed to back-to-school shopping and strong consumer spending, despite the challenges posed by higher gasoline prices.