Retail sales declined more than 0.2% last month due to tariff concerns, rising unemployment, and harsh winter weather, according to data monitored by the National Retail Federation.

Retail spending declined in February, but retail sales were up compared with the same period in 2024 as the economy remained strong, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF)

Overall U.S. retail and grocery sales fell slightly month-over-month in February as consumer concern about tariffs and food inflation tightened spending, but despite the drop sales still increased year-over-year, according to new data.

Retail sales fell by 0.5% month-on-month in January and by 0.3% year-on-year, new figures from the Central Statistics Office show today.

Sales grew 1.1% in February, lifted by Valentine’s day spending, but budget-squeezed consumers stayed away from big-ticket expenses.

Despite the month-over-month drop, retail sales showed growth when compared to the same period in 2024, with online sales and health stores leading the positive year-over-year trends.