U.S. retail sales rebounded in November 2025, rising 0.6% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted $635.65 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This growth reversed October's 0.1% decline, signaling renewed consumer spending momentum as the holiday season approached. The increase reflects broad-based resilience in the sector, with total sales demonstrating stability after recent volatility. Economists noted that the positive shift underscores household confidence despite broader economic uncertainties, positioning retail as a key pillar for fourth-quarter economic performance.
Monthly trends over the past six months revealed fluctuating dynamics, with growth rates of 1.0% in June, 0.7% in July, 0.5% in August, 0.0% in September, -0.1% in October, and 0.6% in November. This pattern indicates a mid-year slowdown that stabilized by late 2025, as seasonal factors and pent-up demand fueled the November recovery. The rebound suggests consumers are adapting to shifting economic conditions, though the trajectory remains uneven. Analysts highlighted that such volatility is typical in retail data but emphasized the importance of sustained gains to confirm a durable upturn beyond temporary holiday effects.
Subcomponent analysis showed food and beverage services driving growth with a 0.6% rise, aligning closely with overall retail trends and reflecting strong consumer engagement in experiential spending. Simultaneously, non-store retail trade—including e-commerce—expanded by 0.4%, underscoring the persistent shift toward digital channels. Together, these segments illustrate a balanced consumption structure where traditional in-person services complement online convenience. Experts interpreted this dual strength as evidence of evolving consumer behavior, with spending increasingly distributed across experiences and digital platforms, potentially supporting long-term retail adaptation even amid short-term economic headwinds.