Washington — Year-over-year sales at CE and appliance stores edged up 1.3 percent in May, continuing a pattern of see-saw sell-through.
According to the latest monthly estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, sales for the channel topped $8.8 billion last month, but slipped 0.3 percent from April.
However, revised figures from the agency now show a 2 percent rise in April CE and majap dealer sales year over year, compared with an initially reported 1.5 percent decline, and a 3.2 percent increase in March.
In comparison, sales for furniture and home furnishings stores rose 6.5 percent in May, while online and other direct sellers enjoyed a 7.4 percent increase in revenue, the Census Bureau reported.
Total retail sales, excluding the food and automotive sectors, rose 4.3 percent last month.
“Even though American consumers continue to be selective and price-sensitive, May sales were strong in many retail categories and sectors,” observed Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist for the National Retail Federation (NRF), a trade association. “The economic fundamentals – consumer confidence, employment and income – remain strong.”
The Census Bureau’s sales estimates are adjusted for seasonal variation and for holiday and trading day differences, but not for price changes.
