Retail Sales Unchanged in December, Closing Out Lackluster Year

Shoppers pause spending despite economic headwinds

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Retail sales remained flat in December compared to November, surprising economists who were expecting growth. The report from the Commerce Department raised questions about consumers' ability to spend after they had remained resilient for months despite concerns about slowing job growth, uncertainty around tariffs, and other economic challenges.

Why it matters

The flat retail sales report in December casts doubt on the strength of the U.S. consumer, a key driver of economic growth. It comes amid broader concerns about the health of the economy, including the impact of the Trump administration's trade policies and the potential for a slowdown.

The details

The Commerce Department reported that retail sales were unchanged in December from the previous month, surprising economists who had expected a modest increase. The lackluster holiday shopping season and the year as a whole raised questions about consumers' willingness to spend in the face of economic headwinds, including slowing job growth, uncertainty around tariffs, and declining consumer confidence.

  • Retail sales data for December 2025 was released on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

U.S. Commerce Department

The federal agency that collects and publishes economic data, including the monthly retail sales report.

Economists

Analysts who study economic trends and make predictions about the direction of the economy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The flat retail sales report in December raises concerns about the resilience of the U.S. consumer, a key driver of economic growth, amid broader economic headwinds. It comes at a time of uncertainty around the impact of the Trump administration's trade policies and the potential for a broader economic slowdown.