Retail sales rose 0.6% in November as holiday shopping increased

Retail sales rose 0.6% in November after a revised 0.1% decline in October, the Commerce Department reported; the release was delayed by a 43-day government shutdown.

Shoppers increased spending in November as the holiday season gathered pace and the Commerce Department released delayed data. The department reported retail sales rose 0.6% in November, following a revised 0.1% decline in October. The report had been delayed more than a month because of a 43-day government shutdown. The article notes the snapshot excludes many services and that officials are gradually catching up on postponed economic reports. Key facts: - Retail sales rose 0.6% in November, after a revised 0.1% decline in October and a 0.1% increase in September. - Sales at clothing and accessories stores rose 0.9%, online sales increased 0.4%, sporting goods and hobby stores were up 1.9%, and restaurants recorded a 0.6% uptick. - The Commerce Department release was delayed due to a 43-day government shutdown, and federal agencies are gradually catching up on postponed reports. - Labor Department data showed consumer prices rose 0.3% in December and core prices (excluding food and energy) rose 0.2%, matching November's figures. - The National Retail Federation projected November and December retail sales grew between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024, estimating total holiday spending of $1.01 trillion to $1.02 trillion. Summary: The November retail report shows a modest increase in consumer spending as holiday shopping accelerated, though the data provide only a partial view because many services are not included. Federal agencies are continuing to release economic reports that were delayed by the shutdown, and labor and industry data noted persistent financial strain for some consumers and weaker hiring as considerations for 2026.