Core retail sales have posted consistent gains over the past three months, growing at annual rate of 2.9 percent from March to May. Excluding spending at gasoline stations, retail sales have been even stronger, growing at annual rate of 5.1 percent over the same time period.

Total retail sales increased at an annual rate of 1.6 percent over the same three-month period.

U.S. Retail Sales Components, March to May 2013, annualized percent change, SA

Additional detail:

  • Retail sales are adjusted for seasonal variation, holidays, and the number of days in a month but are not adjusted for inflation.