In October 2026, total retail spending reached $561.7 billion, marking a 0.2% increase from September and a 3.6% rise year over year. Core retail spending, excluding restaurants, rose 0.3% to $454.2 billion, up 3.4% from the previous year. This monthly growth rate is the slowest since November 2025, indicating that consumers are becoming more selective due to high prices. Spending increased in nine of eleven sectors, with electronics and appliances leading at a 9.3% annual increase, while furniture sales fell by 0.2%. The consumer price index also rose by 0.4% in October, reflecting ongoing inflation concerns.