Retail sales declined slightly in September following strong summer activity, though annual gains remained solid as retailers gear up for the holiday season, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions and released by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

“Retail sales dipped in September as consumers hit the pause button after two solid months of back-to-school spending,” says NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. “Amid continued economic uncertainty, consumers opted to preserve spending power in preparation for the important holiday season. While month-over-month spending data has fluctuated as consumers have reacted to changing circumstances, year-over-year gains show robust growth and signal momentum as we head into the holidays.”

Total retail sales excluding auto dealers and gas stations fell 0.66% month over month in September but rose 5.42% year over year, the report found. Core retail sales—which exclude restaurants, auto dealers, and gas stations—were down 0.49% month over month but up 5.72% year over year. Overall, sales for the first nine months of 2025 were up 5.12% year over year, with core sales up 5.32%.

September sales were up in all but one category on a yearly basis and down in five out of nine categories on a monthly basis. Here are specifics from key sectors, seasonally adjusted from last month and unadjusted compared to last year:

• Digital products (such as electronic books and games) were up 0.52% from last month and up 21.35% compared to last year.

• Sporting goods, hobby, music, and book stores were up 0.74% from last month and up 8.81% compared to last year.

• Clothing and accessories stores were down 1.06% from last month but up 7.35% compared to last year.

• General merchandise stores were down 0.62% from last month but up 5.52% compared to last year.

• Grocery and beverage stores were down 0.76% from last month but up 4.79% compared to last year.

• Health and personal care stores were up 0.38% from last month and up 4.65% compared to last year.

• Electronics and appliance stores were down 0.12% from last month but up 4.43% compared to last year.

• Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 1.87% from last month but up 0.56% compared to last year.

• Building and garden supply stores were up 0.53% from last month but down 1.2% compared to last year.