Retail sales in the United States were up 0.7% month-over-month in July of 2023, marking a fourth consecutive rise, according to the Commerce Department.

Americans purchased more online and dined out more. Nonstore retailers recorded the biggest increase (1.9%), followed by sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument and books (1.5%); food services and drinking places (1.4%); clothing (1%); food and beverages stores (0.8%), general merchandise stores (0.8%); health and personal care (0.7%); building material and garden equipment (0.7%); and gasoline stations (0.4%). 

Decreases in sales were seen in furniture stores (-1.8%); electronics and appliances (-1.3%); motor vehicles and part dealers (-0.3%) and miscellaneous store retailers (-0.3%).