Retail sales unchanged in October as shoppers moderated spending due to economic uncertainty
December 16, 2025
Sales at U.S. retailers and restaurants were unchanged in October from September as consumers moderated their spending amid worries about higher prices and other economic uncertainties after splurging over the summer. Excluding sales at motor vehicle and auto parts outlets, sales rose 0.4%. The flat spending in October follows a revised 0.1% increase in September, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. The report was delayed more than a month because of the 43-day government shutdown. Sales jumped 0.6% in July and August and 1% in June. The federal government is gradually catching up on economic reports that were postponed by the shutdown.