Retail Sales Flat in December Amid Economic Uncertainty

Shoppers grappled with growing economic concerns, leading to stagnant sales.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Retail sales in the United States were flat in December compared to the previous month, as consumers faced increasing economic uncertainty and hesitation. This stagnation in sales came despite the holiday shopping season, typically a busy time for retailers.

Why it matters

Retail sales are a key indicator of consumer spending and economic health. Flat or declining sales can signal broader economic challenges, such as inflation, rising interest rates, and consumer concerns about the future. This data provides insight into the state of the economy and consumer confidence.

The details

According to the report, retail sales were unchanged in December from November, falling short of economists' expectations of a 0.1% increase. This follows a 0.6% increase in November. The flat sales were attributed to shoppers grappling with growing economic uncertainty, including concerns about inflation, job security, and the overall direction of the economy.

  • Retail sales data was released on February 10, 2026.
  • The report covers retail sales figures for December 2025.

The players

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What’s next

Analysts will continue to monitor consumer spending and economic indicators to assess the overall health of the economy and provide guidance to investors.

The takeaway

The flat retail sales in December highlight the growing economic uncertainty faced by consumers, which could have broader implications for the economy. Businesses and investors will need to closely watch consumer behavior and sentiment in the coming months to gauge the direction of the economy.