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Motor vehicles fell 1.6%, held down in part by the expiration of federal tax incentives on electric vehicles. Cheaper gasoline prices held down the value of gas station receipts.

Costco Wholesale's quarterly profit in its fiscal 2026 first quarter rose more than expected, a sign that price-sensitive shoppers continue to search for value. 

CVS raised its full-year profit forecast and said earnings would rise in 2026, a sign of hope as it navigates a turbulent retail environment and government scrutiny.

The value of retail purchases, not adjusted for inflation, increased 0.2% after a 0.6% gain in August, Commerce Department data showed, after being delayed due to the government shutdown.

NRF data shows that consumer spending accounts for more than 68% of the national gross domestic product, marking the highest proportion in nearly 15 years.

The 2025 Wells Fargo Supply Chain Report confirmed a prevailing belief that businesses were proactive in importing freight to the U.S. in advance of tariffs taking effect earlier this year.

Retailers are expressing optimism about the resilience of U.S. consumers, a sentiment that could soon be put to the test as tariff-fueled price hikes increasingly show up on shelves.

Retail sales rose 0.5% last month, a slowdown from a revised 0.9% in June, according to the Commerce Department’s report released Aug. 15.

The returns process is costly. When factoring in every step a retailer goes through to ship, return and reship items, each transaction influences a retailer’s time, money and product waste.

Retail sales fell sharply in May as consumers pulled back after a sharp increase in spending in March to get ahead of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on nearly all imports.