Retail sales decreased 0.4% to $70.0 billion in December. Sales were down in three of nine subsectors, led by decreases at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers, were down 0.3% in December. In volume terms, retail sales were unchanged in December. Retail sales were up 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a seventh consecutive quarterly increase. In volume terms, retail sales decreased 0.3% in the fourth quarter. In 2025, retail sales increased 4.0%, led by gains at motor vehicle and parts dealers. In volume ... (full story)