CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor

The CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, provides a first look at how retail sales performed last month.

Access the latest Retail Monitor data here. 

Retail's economic impact

Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans.  Explore how retail impacts the U.S. economy and dive into retail stats for each state.

See the data.

Consumer Pulse

Consumers faced a number of headwinds in 2023 that impacted their overall confidence; however, they remain relatively positive about their own financial security.

Using data from Prosper Insights & Analytics, NRF tracks both the percent of consumers who feel confident about the state of the economy over the next 6 months and the percent who feel secure about their own personal financial situation. Prosper’s consumer confidence data has been shown to be highly correlated with other major confidence indices.

Holiday and Seasonal Trends

Since 2003, NRF has partnered with Prosper Insights & Analytics to gauge consumers’ spending intentions and celebration plans for American holidays — from Valentine’s Day to Christmas — and milestone events like Graduation and Back to School. Learn more.

State of Retail

The retail industry has been undergoing an enormous transformation, especially during the pandemic as it accelerated digital offerings and adapted quickly to new customer needs. What is the future of retail in a post-pandemic world and beyond?.  Learn more. 

Monthly Economic Review: May 2024

The U.S. economy lost some spring in its step during the first quarter as the pace of growth declined and the downshift came with an unexpected bout of inflation. But even with signs that the economic expansion is decelerating, the economy remains resilient, boosted by a solid job market and continued spending by consumers and businesses. Read the full report from NRF's Chief Economist.