Core Insights - The latest retail sales report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) indicates a slowdown in retail sales growth in June due to consumer concerns, marking the first monthly decline since February [1] - The seasonally adjusted total retail sales excluding automobiles and gasoline decreased by 0.33% month-over-month in June, while year-over-year sales still grew by 3.19% [1] - Core retail sales (excluding auto dealers, gas stations, and restaurants) also saw a month-over-month decline of 0.32% in June, with a year-over-year increase of 3.36% [1] Monthly Performance - The overall retail sales for the first half of the year increased by 4.66% year-over-year, while core retail sales rose by 4.93% [2] - The June decline is the first since February, when both total and core retail sales fell by 0.22% compared to January [2] Consumer Behavior - Matthew Shay, CEO of NRF, noted that long-term uncertainties surrounding the economy, tariffs, and trade policies are causing consumers to adopt a "wait-and-see" approach regarding household budgets [1] - Despite the economic slowdown, consumers still have the capacity to spend on necessities, but their psychological outlook is being affected [1] Category Performance - In June, seven categories experienced year-over-year growth, with digital products, sporting goods stores, and health and personal care stores leading the way [2] - Only one category showed month-over-month growth, while the rest declined [2] - Specific category performance includes: - Digital products: Seasonally adjusted month-over-month growth of 0.26% and a year-over-year surge of 24.11% [2] - Health and personal care stores: Seasonally adjusted month-over-month decline of 0.31% and year-over-year growth of 3.47% [3] - General merchandise stores: Seasonally adjusted month-over-month decline of 0.15% and year-over-year growth of 3.18% [4] - Food and beverage stores: Seasonally adjusted month-over-month decline of 0.13% and year-over-year growth of 2.59% [5] - Electronics and appliance stores: Seasonally adjusted month-over-month decline of 1.03% and year-over-year growth of 2.43% [6] - Furniture and home furnishings stores: Seasonally adjusted month-over-month decline of 1.04% and year-over-year decline of 1.14% [7] - Building materials and garden supplies stores: Seasonally adjusted month-over-month decline of 0.76% and year-over-year decline of 5.33% [8]