Commerce slowed at gas stations, clothing stories, and electronics outlets.
A street during a winter storm in New York City, on Jan. 25, 2026. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times
Retail sales declined to kick off 2026 as U.S. shoppers remained indoors and stayed away from shopping malls during January’s severe winter storm.
January’s retail sales fell by 0.2 percent, the first drop since October 2025, according to new Census Bureau data released on March 6. This is down from the previous month’s zero percent reading.
