Census Bureau news and trends

Retail Spending Pause Shows Consumers Picking Their Spots
Economy // August 14, 2026

July’s retail sales decline landed in the middle of a much more deliberate reset in household spending. Consumers are still buying, in select categories. But PYMNTS Intelligence data show how aggressively they are working the budget first, from switching brands and merchants to hunting discounts...

Consumers Keep Spending Even as Confidence Wavers
Economy // April 01, 2026

Retail sales in February came in stronger than anticipated, offering a measure of reassurance that consumer activity continues to support the broader economy even as underlying pressures remain unresolved. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access...

eCommerce Sales Hit $316 Billion as Online Retail Gains Share
Retail // March 10, 2026

The steady migration of consumer spending toward digital channels continued through the end of 2025, underlining the extent to which online commerce has become embedded in the broader retail economy. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free...

Consumers Pull Back to Protect Savings as Retail Sales Stall
Economy // February 10, 2026

Flat retail sales at year end ran counter to the growth momentum many analysts expected upon the release of the latest report on Tuesday (Feb. 10). Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS...

Interviews & Exclusives
eCommerce Takes 17.1% of Retail Sales as Online Growth Accelerates

August 18, 2026
For every $100 Americans spent at retailers in the second quarter, $17.10 went through eCommerce, extending a gradual but persistent redirection of retail spending toward digital channels. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our […]

Consumers Keep Spending Even as Confidence Wavers

April 01, 2026
Retail sales in February came in stronger than anticipated, offering a measure of reassurance that consumer activity continues to support the broader economy even as underlying pressures remain unresolved. Get...

eCommerce Sales Hit $316 Billion as Online Retail Gains Share

March 10, 2026
The steady migration of consumer spending toward digital channels continued through the end of 2025, underlining the extent to which online commerce has become embedded in the broader retail economy....

Consumers Pull Back to Protect Savings as Retail Sales Stall

February 10, 2026
Flat retail sales at year end ran counter to the growth momentum many analysts expected upon the release of the latest report on Tuesday (Feb. 10). Get the Full Story...

Quick Reads
Retail Sales Drop as Pre-Tariff Surge in Car Sales Ebbs

June 17, 2025
U.S. retail and food services sales saw a month-over-month decline of 0.9% in May after slipping 0.1% in April, the Census Bureau reported Tuesday (June 17). Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily […]

Business Inventories Rose in January Amid Expected Slowdown in Sales

March 17, 2025
Business inventories increased in January, ending the month 0.3% higher than a month earlier and 2.3% higher than a year earlier. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock...

Census Bureau: Household Income Climbed 4% in 2023

September 10, 2024
American household incomes increased 4% last year, the first significant increase since before the pandemic, according to the Census Bureau. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this...

Construction Spending Dips 0.3% in July Amid High Mortgage Rates

September 03, 2024
Construction spending decreased by 0.3% in July after remaining unchanged in June. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all...