GlobalData Retail

Commerce reported that April retail sales—at $686.1 billion—were up 0.4% compared to March and were up 1.6% annually. NRF reported that April retail sales, which does not include automobile dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants, were up 0.6% over March and were up 2% on an unadjusted basis annually. And on a three-month moving average through April, NRF said that retail sales were up 3.7% annually on an unadjusted basis.

Firm says this year's holiday season retail sales could be up 4%-to-4.5% ahead of 2018's 3.1% annual gain.