October retail sales grow at slowest pace in nearly a year amid high prices

Total retail spending reached $561.7 billion in October, marking a modest 0.2% increase from the previous month. While spending grew 3.6% compared to a year ago, the monthly growth rate dropped to its lowest level since November 2025 as consumers faced strain from high prices and inflation. Households have been managing tight budgets by timing purchases around promotions and special sales. The National Retail Federation noted that early holiday promotions and Halloween spending helped keep the numbers from dropping further, while categories like electronics saw growth driven by rising tech prices.