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.
More on Surveys
The Latest
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
