U.S. retail and food services sales rose 0.2% MoM (vs 0.4% MoM expected) in September 2025, reflecting a modest monthly gain, while the YoY comparison against September 2024 showed a 4.3% increase, indicating steady underlying demand despite mixed category performance.

• Retail sales (ex autos) increased 0.3% MoM (vs 0.4% MoM expected), and sales (ex autos and gas) were up 0.1% MoM (vs 0.4% MoM expected).

• Motor vehicle and parts dealers fell -0.3% MoM, with auto dealers down -0.2%, continuing the segment’s recent volatility.

• Gasoline station sales rose 2.0% MoM, the strongest monthly increase among major categories, supported by higher fuel spending.

• Furniture and home furnishings stores increased 0.6% MoM, reversing declines in prior months and contributing modestly to discretionary demand.

• Electronics and appliance stores fell -0.5% MoM, consistent with ongoing weakness in big-ticket discretionary categories.

• Sporting goods, hobby, musical instruments, and bookstores posted the sharpest decline at -2.5% MoM, underscoring soft discretionary spending.

• Nonstore retailers (e-commerce) rose 2.9% MoM, marking one of the strongest gains in the report and continuing the segment’s solid multi-month trend.

• Food services and drinking places increased 0.7% MoM, extending consistent growth and highlighting ongoing strength in services-oriented household spending.