Retail sales unchanged in October hurt in part by a decline in auto sales
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Becca Mendoza and Tammi Hines look at products as shoppers browse through Kohl’s department store for Black Friday deals, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Woodstock, Ga. (AP Photo/Megan Varner) NEW YORK (AP) — Sales at U.S. retailers and restaurants were unchanged in October from September as consumers moderated their spending amid worries about higher prices and other economic uncertainties after splurging over the summer. But a big factor dragging down the figure was a 1.
AI Summary
Main Idea: U.S. retail sales were flat in October, while the National Retail Federation said holiday spending could still grow as major retailers like Walmart and Target see mixed but steady demand.
Key Points:
- Sales at retailers and restaurants were unchanged from September, missing expectations and showing consumers are pulling back after summer spending.
- A drop in auto sales, tied in part to the end of federal EV subsidies, was a big drag on the overall number.
- Some areas were stronger, including online shopping, department stores, and clothing, while restaurant sales fell slightly.
- The National Retail Federation still expects holiday sales to rise, but the report points to a split between higher-income shoppers and households under more pressure.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Flat retail sales and weaker auto and restaurant spending suggest many households are cutting back, which can slow hiring and hurt workers and small businesses.
Positive Impact
Walmart, Target, and other discounters may draw more budget-conscious shoppers as families look for lower prices and holiday deals.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Major:National Retail Federationunion / trade association
- Major:Targetcompany
Candidate Entities9 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- National Retail Federationunion / trade associationMajorEvaluated
Named trade group whose holiday sales forecast is discussed as a major indicator.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - TargetcompanyMajorEvaluated
Major retailer cited as struggling with weak sales and turnaround efforts.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Home DepotcompanyMajorAI selected
Major retailer cited as seeing slower spending, part of the article’s comparison of retail performance.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - TJX CompaniescompanyMajorAI selected
Major retailer cited for strong shopper traffic and sales, relevant to the broader retail picture.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - WalmartcompanyMajorAI selected
Major retailer cited as a strong performer and benchmark for consumer spending.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Bank of America Instituteeducational / research institutionContextCandidate
Cited for spending data on high- and lower-income shoppers, but only as supporting analysis.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Moodys RatingscompanyContextCandidate
Cited for analyst commentary on consumer demand and hiring, but not a central actor.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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