According to the Commerce Department and the National Retail Federation, retail sales in August have increased.

August retail sales in the U.S. increased by 0.1% from July to $710.8 billion, with a 2.1% annual rise, driven by higher wages and lower inflation. Non-store retailers, including e-commerce, surged by 7.8% annually, while food services grew by 2.7%. The National Retail Federation reported a 0.3% monthly rise in retail sales, with a 3.3% annual increase. Experts noted that consumers remain cautious but are capitalizing on lower prices and early seasonal promotions, with potential boosts in sales anticipated for September and October.