U.S. retail and food services sales were flat (vs +0.1% MoM expected) and up 3.5% YoY in October 2025, reflecting stalled headline growth as auto-related weakness offset gains elsewhere.

• Retail sales excluding motor vehicles and parts rose +0.4% MoM (vs +0.3% MoM expected) and up 4.0% YoY, indicating firmer underlying momentum once volatile auto sales are removed.
• Retail sales excluding gasoline increased +0.1% MoM (+3.6% YoY), showing modest growth despite softer fuel-related spending.
• Core retail sales excluding autos and gasoline advanced +0.5% MoM (+4.2% YoY), pointing to relatively steady demand across core goods categories.
• Motor vehicle and parts dealers declined -1.6% MoM (+1.2% YoY), with auto dealers down -1.7% MoM, driving most of the headline weakness.
• Furniture and home furnishings stores rose +2.3% MoM (+0.5% YoY), marking one of the stronger monthly gains among discretionary categories.
• Electronics and appliance stores increased +0.7% MoM (+4.9% YoY), continuing a solid year-over-year trend.
• General merchandise stores rose +0.5% MoM (+2.0% YoY), led by a +4.9% MoM jump at department stores, while nonstore retailers increased +1.8% MoM (+9.0% YoY), remaining the strongest YoY category.
• Food services and drinking places fell -0.4% MoM (+4.1% YoY), indicating a pullback after prior gains but still maintaining solid annual growth.