High prices drive U.S. consumers toward online retail
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AI-assisted source synthesis · not an independent investigation.
In September 2026, U.S. nonstore retail sales increased 0.3% month over month and 8.2% year over year, including e-commerce, with online consumer spending continuing to grow faster than overall retail. In the third quarter, nonstore sales increased 7.5% year over year, higher than the 5.5% increase in total retail and food service sales. During the same period, overall U.S. retail and food service sales rose 0.8% month over month to $745 billion. In terms of payment methods, the use of credit card installment plans increased from 23% in April 2025 to 36% in March, while BNPL usage was 15%; among Generation Z, credit card installment plan usage rose from 31% to 47%.
AI-written from reports · updated 3 days ago
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- PYMNTSConsumers shift to online retail amid high prices, non-store sales continue to grow
U.S. non-store retail sales, including e-commerce, rose 0.3% month over month and 8.2% year over year in September, with online consumption continuing to grow faster than overall retail. In the third quarter, non-store sales increased 7.5% year over year, higher than the 5.5% growth in total retail and food service sales; total retail and food service sales rose 0.8% month over month to $745 billion. The rate of credit card installment use rose from 23% in April 2025 to 36% in March, while BNPL stood at 15%; usage among Generation Z rose from 31% to 47%.
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