Retail and food services sales in the United States decreased by 0.2% in January compared to last month's figures, landing at $733.5 billion, the US Census Bureau revealed in its report published on Friday. Meanwhile, the January figure increased by 3.2% compared with the corresponding month in 2025. Total sales for the period of three months since November 2025 were up by 2.9% year-on-year. Nonstore retailers rose by 10.9% compared to 2025, while the food service and drinking places increased by 3.9% year-on-year. (full story)

Spending at US retailers unexpectedly fell in January as consumer confidence languished and harsh cold weather buffeted various parts of the country. Retail sales declined 0.2% in January from the prior month, the Commerce Department said Friday, falling for the first time since October. January’s reading came in below expectations of 0%, according to a poll of economists by data firm FactSet. The figures are adjusted for seasonal swings but not inflation. The report was delayed a few weeks because of last year’s government shutdown. A persistent streak of weak or declining spending would spell trouble for the US ... (full story)