Retail sales up in October as consumers keep spending

American shoppers didn’t let inflation put too much of a dent in their spending in October, with many getting a jump start on the holiday season.

Core retail sales inched up 0.7% in October from September and up 6.5% year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation whose calculation excludes auto dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. In September, sales were up 0.5% over the previous month and rose 7.9% year-over-year.

The U.S. Census Bureau said that overall retail sales in October were up 1.3% from September — the biggest monthly gain since February — and up 8.3% year over year. In September, sales were flat over the previous month but up 8.6% year over year.

“October’s performance is a strong foothold as we go into the holiday season,” said NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. “Spending has gradually slowed but remains solid. Consumers continue to show resiliency despite elevated inflation, rising borrowing costs and widespread macroeconomic uncertainties.”

Kleinhenz noted that, with employment and wages growing and shoppers accessing accumulated savings, NRF expects the trend to continue.

“Early holiday deals that enticed customers appear to underly the October numbers and more promotions will be seen in November and December, which are historically the big holiday shopping months,” he said.

Sales are up 7.5% year-over-year for the first 10 months of the year, keeping results on track with NRF’s forecast that 2022 retail sales will grow between 6% and 8% over 2021.

NRF forecast earlier this month that sales during the holiday season – defined as November through December – will rise between 6% and 8% over 2021. October sales increased in five out of nine categories on a monthly basis. Electronics took the biggest hit on a year-over-year basis, with sales down 12.3%.

Specifics from key sectors for October month-over-month sales are below:

•  Online and other non-store sales were up 1.2%;
• Building materials and garden supply stores were up 1.1%;
• Grocery and beverage stores were up 1.4%;
• Health and personal care stores were up 0.5%;
• Clothing and clothing accessory stores were flat;  
• General merchandise stores were down 0.2%;
• Sporting goods stores were down 0.3%;
• Furniture and home furnishings stores were up 1.1%; and
• Electronics and appliance stores were down 0.3%.