- Retail sales topped expectations in May with some categories tipping off a healthy spending trend.
- Nonstore retailers once again led all categories with 12% Y/Y growth. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) had a lot to say with that strong performance.
- Health and personal care stores were also solid with an 8% Y/Y rise in sales. Chains such as Walgreens (NASDAQ:WBA), Rite Aid (NYSE:RAD), Ulta Salon (NASDAQ:ULTA), and Sally Beauty Holdings (NYSE:SBH) continue to draw millennial interest.
- Department stores lagged once again with a 0.9% M/M drop and 6% Y/Y tail-off. A tough month of weather contributed to a 2% M/M drop in the building materials and garden equipment (HD, LOW) category.
- Restaurants performed ahead of expectations, sales were up 0.8% M/M and 6.5% Y/Y. That mark bodes well for McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) continuing its streak of staying in positive territory with comparable-store sales.
- Previously: Retail sales decelerate from April's pace (June 14)
- Retail ETFs: XLY, XRT, VCR, RTH, RETL, FXD, FDIS, RCD, PMR, JHMC, CNDF.