Retail sales increased 0.9% to $72.7 billion in March. Sales increased in four of nine subsectors, led by gasoline stations and fuel vendors. Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers, were down 0.1% in March. In volume terms, retail sales decreased 0.7% in March. Retail sales were up 2.1% in the first quarter of 2026, marking a seventh consecutive quarterly increase. In volume terms, retail sales increased 1.2% in the first quarter. The largest increase in retail sales in March was observed at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (+12.4%). The increase in ... (full story)