Retail Sales Unchanged in December

Lackluster holiday shopping season closes out the year

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Retail sales were flat in December compared to November, signaling a lackluster end to the holiday shopping season and the year. The Commerce Department report raised concerns about consumer spending as shoppers worry about a slowing job market and uncertainty around the impact of tariffs.

Why it matters

Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of U.S. economic activity, so flat retail sales could be an early indicator of a broader economic slowdown. The report comes as the Federal Reserve is closely watching consumer behavior for signs of a potential recession.

The details

Retail sales were unchanged in December compared to November, missing economists' expectations of a 0.3% increase. The flat sales followed a 0.2% increase in November. The report showed declines in sales of electronics, furniture, and building materials, offsetting gains in other categories like online shopping and grocery stores.

  • The Commerce Department released the retail sales report on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • Retail sales were flat in December 2025 compared to November 2025.

The players

Commerce Department

The U.S. government agency that oversees economic data, including retail sales figures.

Federal Reserve

The central banking system of the United States that is closely monitoring consumer spending for signs of an economic slowdown.

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The takeaway

The flat retail sales report raises concerns about the strength of the U.S. consumer and the overall economy heading into 2026. With consumer spending accounting for the majority of economic activity, this lackluster holiday shopping season could be an early sign of a broader slowdown.