US clothing and accessory store retail sales increased 0.67% in May 2025, seasonally adjusted, based on the most recent CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor figures. Year-over-year sales increased 3.21% for the category, which was a deceleration from the 5.14% year-over-year rise recorded in April, indicating a decline in pre-tariff stockpiling.
National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay commented that early signs of consumer purchasing in anticipation of tariffs seem to be dissipating. He said that momentum is still there, but consumers are adapting their behaviours in the face of increasing economic uncertainty. He added that even with the changing environment, robust job stats and solid household fundamentals are supporting spending—at least temporarily—before any meaningful price pressures set in.
The Retail Monitor, which was created in collaboration with Affinity Solutions, also posted a wider month-over-month retail sales gain of 0.49% in May, excluding automobiles and gas. Unadjusted sales in the category rose 4.44% compared to last year—a deceleration from April’s 0.72% monthly advance and 6.76% yearly increase.
Core retail sales that exclude restaurants, gas stations, and automobile dealerships increased a moderate 0.23% in May compared to April and 4.2% compared to the same month last year. That was lower than April’s higher increase of 0.9% monthly and 7.11% yearly.
On a cumulative basis, retail sales through the first half of 2025 are up 4.95% year to date compared to the same period last year, and core retail sales are slightly ahead at 5.24%.
Broadening out across categories, seven of nine retail categories reported year-over-year growth in May, with digital goods, sporting goods, and general merchandise at the top. Month-to-month, six categories improved.
