Mastercard SpendingPulse: U.S. retail sales grew 7.4%* year over year in December
January 16, 2023According to Mastercard SpendingPulse™, which measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment, U.S. retail sales excluding automotive were up +7.4% year-over-year in December. E-commerce sales were up +9.7% YOY while in-store sales were up +6.7% YOY. Mastercard SpendingPulse reflects nominal spending and is not adjusted for inflation.
Restaurants (+14.5%), Fuel & Convenience (+11.9%) and Apparel (+5.4%) were key drivers for the month’s year-over-year growth as consumers shopped for gifts and traveled for holiday gatherings.
*excluding auto
About Mastercard SpendingPulse
Mastercard SpendingPulse™ reports on national retail sales across all payment types in select markets around the world. The findings are based on aggregate sales activity in the Mastercard payments network, coupled with survey-based estimates for certain other payment forms, such as cash and check. As such, SpendingPulse™ insights do not in any way contain, reflect or relate to actual Mastercard operational or financial performance, or specific payment-card-issuer data.
Mastercard SpendingPulse defines “U.S. retail sales” as sales at retailers and food services merchants of all sizes. Sales activity within the services sector (for example, travel services such as airlines and lodging) are not included.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Newsroom