The U.S. Census Bureau recently released retail sales data for October 2025, noting a 2.2% increase in overall retail sales from October 2024.

Thirteen states and the District of Columbia had positive and significant year-over-year changes in October, with New York seeing the most significant increase in retail sales at 6.1% and Vermont seeing the largest decrease, down 1.6% year over year.

Retail sales for building materials and garden equipment and supplies dealers in October were down 5.4% from October 2024. On a regional basis, West Virginia saw the largest decrease in sales in the sector, down 16.1%. Wisconsin building materials and garden equipment and supplies dealers saw the largest increase in sales, reaching a 6.6% increase.