Despite supply chain disruptions and rising prices, US retail sales have increased again in September as concerns about the COVID-19 Delta variant tried to push private consumption forward into merchandise instead of services like dining, entertainment, or travel, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), which recently stated that the sheer power of the consumer to spend is forecast to gradually.
“Despite ongoing problems connected to the worldwide pandemic, supply chain, and economic troubles, retailers and their partnerships have demonstrated resilience and inventiveness in putting the people, goods, and systems in order to service their consumers and the communities in which they operate…. “We have witnessed record imports this year and are convinced that we can work together to overcome these hurdles to maintain a healthy and joyful holiday season,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement.
“The reopening of the sector was hampered by COVID-19, and private consumption outside of retail struck a speed bump toward the end of summer,” said NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. “Customers stayed active, but sales volumes did not reflect the projected shift away from products and toward services.” That was good news for retailers because customers still have a high willingness to spend as a result of pay and job improvements and household savings amassed during the pandemic. Furthermore, some back-to-school expenditure may have flowed over from August into September as a result of school districts delaying starting until after Labor Day,” he said. “Overall, the September report looks extremely encouraging for a solid year-end finish.” Nevertheless, rising prices and sluggish supply chains continue to be a source of concern. According to the US Census Bureau, overall retail sales in September were up 0.7% annualised from August and up 13.9% year on year. This contrasts to rises of 0.9% month over month and 15.4% year over year in August.
According to census data, despite rare month-to-month decreases, sales increased year over year every month since June 2020.
The NRF’s retail sales formula, which eliminates vehicle dealers, petrol stations, and restaurants to focus on specific retail, also revealed that September was up 0.7% seasonally adjusted from August and up 11% year over year.
“The reopening of the sector was hampered by COVID-19, and private consumption outside of retail struck a speed bump toward the end of summer,” said NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. “Customers stayed active, but sales volumes did not reflect the projected shift away from products and toward services.” That was good news for retailers because customers still have a high willingness to spend as a result of pay and job improvements and household savings amassed during the pandemic. Furthermore, some back-to-school expenditure may have flowed over from August into September as a result of school districts delaying starting until after Labor Day,” he said. “Overall, the September report looks extremely encouraging for a solid year-end finish.” Nevertheless, rising prices and sluggish supply chains continue to be a source of concern. According to the US Census Bureau, overall retail sales in September were up 0.7% annualised from August and up 13.9% year on year. This contrasts to rises of 0.9% month over month and 15.4% year over year in August.
According to census data, despite rare month-to-month decreases, sales increased year over year every month since June 2020.
The NRF’s retail sales formula, which eliminates vehicle dealers, petrol stations, and restaurants to focus on specific retail, also revealed that September was up 0.7% seasonally adjusted from August and up 11% year over year.
