Retail sales up a better-than-expected 0.8% in September as shoppers remain resilient

Retail sales up a better-than-expected.

Key points

• News Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press, Cathy Bussewitz, Associated Press July 23, 2026.
• FILE – Shoppers stop their carts to observe big-screen televisions on display in a Costco warehouse Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Timnath, Colo.
• The Labor Department documented Friday that hiring dropped from a revised 133, 000 in August.
• After delivering a revised 1.3% gain in August, according to the Commerce Department's report Thursday, retail sales rose a better-than-expected 0.8% last month.
• Adds disappointing 29, 000 jobs and unemployment ticks up to 4.2% in September.

Retail sales up a better-than-expected 0.8% in September as shoppers remain resilient. By: Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press – October 15, 2026.

FILE – Shoppers stop their carts to observe big-screen televisions on display in a Costco warehouse Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Timnath, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File).

While department stores posted a 1.6% growth, business at furniture and home stores rose 1.3%. As the report notes, business at online retailers rose 0.3%.

NEW YORK (AP) – Shoppers indicated their willingness to spend in September even after a better-than-expected splurge in August.

After delivering a revised 1.3% gain in August, according to the Commerce Department's report Thursday, retail sales rose a better-than-expected 0.8% last month. Economists were anticipating a 0.3% growth for the month, according to FactSet.

Excluding business at gas stations, retail sales rose 0.2% in September. The administration figures aren't adjusted for inflation. It accelerated last month as gasoline and numerous other goods and services became more expensive.

Notably, the data offers only a snapshot of consumer spending and doesn't include activities like travel and hotel stays. But the lone services category – restaurants – registered a 1.1% growth. Regarding the Author(s). Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press. Economy Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press October 14, 2026.

Inflation worsened last month to 3.7% in sign that rates remain elevated as midterm elections near.

On a monthly basis, costs jumped 0.6% from August to September, up from 0.4% the previous month. More From This Author. News Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press September 28, 2026.

Trump administration set to roll out lower fuel economy standards for cars, light trucks. News Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press September 16, 2026.

Retail sales rise a better-than-expected 1.2% in August after shoppers pulled back spending in July.

Gas, groceries and back-to-school items are where shoppers might see higher oil rates surface. News Jeremy Pittari October 15, 2026. Lawmakers consider cost saving methods in Mississippi's licensure boards. News Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press October 9, 2026. Americans 75 and older are wealthiest age group, Fed survey finds.

Overall, the survey discovered broad gains in income, even after adjusting for inflation. It slightly reduced income inequality. Economy Paul Wiseman, Associated Press October 2, 2026.

U.S. Adds disappointing 29, 000 jobs and unemployment ticks up to 4.2% in September.

In practice, the Labor Department documented Friday that hiring dropped from a revised 133, 000 in August. The unemployment rate rose to a still-low 4.2% from 4.1% in August. Economists had projected 90, 000 new jobs. News Magnolia Tribune October 15, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: October 15, 2026. News Fatima Hussein, Associated Press October 14, 2026.

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Taken together, the developments around retail sales up a better-than-expected 0.8% in September as shoppers remain resilient point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.