Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2021
US Economy Could See Fastest Growth Since the ‘80sSurveysMay 19, 2021
April Retail Sales Stall as Stimulus Spending Slows
Though month-over-month results were flat, strong year-over-year sales signal an economic recovery ahead, said the NRF.
Retail sales were unchanged month-over-month in April, but up 51 percent year-over-year.
New York—Retail sales in April were flat month-over-month as stimulus spending slowed, but strong year-over-year growth signals an economic recovery ahead.
Overall retail sales were unchanged month-over-month in April at $619.9 billion, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, while year-over-year sales were up 51 percent.
The results fell short analyst expectations of a monthly gain of 1 percent.
Sales in March were up 10.7 percent month-over-month and up 29 percent year-over-year as per the revised figures.
“In March, we saw a surge in spending as stimulus checks came in, and that spending declined slightly in April,” said National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay in a press release about the results.
However, the strong year-over-year growth shows that household finances are strong, said Shay, and that an economic recovery will likely gain steam.
“Consumers are demonstrating that when they feel safe, they are both willing and able to spend and are driving the economy forward.”
Shay added the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance relaxing mask mandates for fully vaccinated individuals should help the economy open up and get more people back to work.
Related stories will be right here …
Overall retail sales were unchanged month-over-month in April at $619.9 billion, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, while year-over-year sales were up 51 percent.
The results fell short analyst expectations of a monthly gain of 1 percent.
Sales in March were up 10.7 percent month-over-month and up 29 percent year-over-year as per the revised figures.
“In March, we saw a surge in spending as stimulus checks came in, and that spending declined slightly in April,” said National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay in a press release about the results.
However, the strong year-over-year growth shows that household finances are strong, said Shay, and that an economic recovery will likely gain steam.
“Consumers are demonstrating that when they feel safe, they are both willing and able to spend and are driving the economy forward.”
Shay added the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance relaxing mask mandates for fully vaccinated individuals should help the economy open up and get more people back to work.
NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said the economy and consumer spending are more resilient than some would have believed a year ago, when temporary shutdowns were in full swing.
“Consumers may have tapped the brakes slightly in April compared with March, but it was like going from 100 mph to 85 mph compared with last year. The fuel from stimulus checks gave a strong boost to spending in March and the fact that April numbers are very close shows spending is clearly going forward and still strong.”
The NRF also narrows in on core retail sales, excluding auto sales, gas stations, and restaurants.
Its calculations show April sales were down 1.3 percent seasonally adjusted from March and up 28.8 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
April retail sales were down in two-thirds of retail categories on a monthly basis, but up across the board year-over-year.
Notable increases were seen in clothing, furniture, and sporting goods stores, which were mostly closed last year.
“Today’s year-over-year numbers are off the charts in some categories, reflecting the disparity between retailers that could remain open a year ago and those that were forced to shut down,” said Kleinhenz.
The NRF is forecasting 2021 retail sales will increase between 6.5 percent and 8.2 percent over 2020, totaling between $4.33 trillion and $4.4 trillion.
“Consumers may have tapped the brakes slightly in April compared with March, but it was like going from 100 mph to 85 mph compared with last year. The fuel from stimulus checks gave a strong boost to spending in March and the fact that April numbers are very close shows spending is clearly going forward and still strong.”
The NRF also narrows in on core retail sales, excluding auto sales, gas stations, and restaurants.
Its calculations show April sales were down 1.3 percent seasonally adjusted from March and up 28.8 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
April retail sales were down in two-thirds of retail categories on a monthly basis, but up across the board year-over-year.
Notable increases were seen in clothing, furniture, and sporting goods stores, which were mostly closed last year.
“Today’s year-over-year numbers are off the charts in some categories, reflecting the disparity between retailers that could remain open a year ago and those that were forced to shut down,” said Kleinhenz.
The NRF is forecasting 2021 retail sales will increase between 6.5 percent and 8.2 percent over 2020, totaling between $4.33 trillion and $4.4 trillion.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
