SIX - Consumers head back to stores in February pushing up sales: Mastercard

U.S. consumer spending in February increased from January's pace, with retail spending (excluding auto) rising 8.7% Y/Y and 17% vs. the prepandemic level in 2019, according to the Mastercard SpendingPulse report. The numbers reflect the higher inflation rate and a wardrobe makeover as office workers return to the office. In-store sales rose 10% Y/Y in February and 8.0% vs prepandemic. Ecommerce sales climbed 4.4% Y/Y and 86% from 2019 as the shift to digital persists at a slowing pace. Apparel sales rose 38% Y/Y and 34% vs. prepandemic. Department store sales bounced up last month, rising 26% Y/Y and 3.4% from prepandemic levels. "Despite inflation, consumers are putting their record savings to work and expressing themselves through fashion again — much to the benefit of the apparel, department store, luxury and jewelry verticals, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse," said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and chairman of Saks.

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Consumers head back to stores in February, pushing up sales: Mastercard