Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Advance Monthly Sales for Retail and Food Services for April 2025 reported $41.3 million in retail sales for building material and garden suppliers, up 0.8% month over month and up 3.2% year over year. That compared with a 2.9% month over month and 2.0% year over year increase in March.
In April, retail trade sales decreased 0.1% from March 2025 and increased 4.7% from April 2024.
“Consumers are still spending despite widespread pessimism fueled by rising tariffs,” says Jack Kleinhenz, National Retail Federation chief economist. “While tariffs may have weighed on spending decisions, growth is coming at a moderate pace and consumer spending remains steady, reflecting a resilient economy. The momentum and willingness to spend is being supported by positive data on jobs and wages along with lower energy prices.”
