Bad Weather No Deterrence from Shopping in February

Despite severe weather that included heavy snow and rain falls, American consumers kept flocking to stores in February. According to the National Retail Federation, February retail industry sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 1.7 percent year-over-year.

February retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 0.3 percent seasonally adjusted over January and 4.1 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

“February could be the direct result of cabin fever with consumers eager to get some fresh air and enjoy a day of shopping,” said Rosalind Wells, chief economist for NRF. “We expect sales increases to continue but high unemployment and other economic factors will restrain consumers’ ability to splurge on discretionary items.”

Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores increased 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted over January but decreased 1.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Electronics and appliance stores sales rose 3.7 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month but decreased 0.3 percent unadjusted over last year.

Photo: Shein