U.S. Retail Sales Slip 0.2% in January, But Annual Growth Holds Steady at 3.2%

U.S. retail and food services sales edged down 0.2% in January 2026 from the previous month, totaling $733.5 billion, according to advance estimates released Friday by the Census Bureau. Despite the monthly dip, sales climbed 3.2% compared to January 2025. The broader November 2025 through January 2026 period also showed resilience, rising 2.9% from the same stretch a year ago, while the November-to-December 2025 reading remained virtually unchanged. Retail trade sales fell 0.2% from December 2025 but rose 3.0% year-over-year. Nonstore retailers led the gains, surging 10.9% from January 2025, reflecting continued momentum in online shopping. Food service and drinking places also posted growth, rising 3.9% from the same month last year, signaling steady consumer spending in the dining sector.