Aug 15, 2025 - Business

Retail sales jump as discount events stoke spending

Courtenay Brown

A person in a white shirt and beige shorts walks down a pet food aisle at a store, carrying a yellow LEGO shopping bag; shelves are stocked with colorful pet food bags and cans. — Photo: Spencer Platt via Getty Images

U.S. shoppers spent at a healthy pace in July, while June's spending was higher than initially thought as well, the Commerce Department said on Friday.

Why it matters: Despite concerns about the economy's health, consumer spending remained resilient, as summer sale events encouraged shopping.

By the numbers: Retail sales rose 0.5% last month, in line with economists' estimates.

The government said that sales actually rose 0.9% in June, above the first estimate of 0.6%.

Details: The data, which is not adjusted for inflation, showed that consumers ramped up spending on autos, furniture and sporting goods and other hobby-related goods.

Spending receded at electronics shops, building supplier stores and restaurants and bars.

The bottom line: So far, it has been a strong summer of spending, even as worries mount that America's economy is entering a more sluggish state.

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Retail sales jump as discount events stoke spending

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