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
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
Weekly QuizNov 13, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’sLate collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
