Through July 2018, retail and food service sales have topped 5.5% over last year , according to the Census Department’s Advanced Monthly Retail and Food Services Sales report. Retail sales at gasoline stations grew the fastest across all categories of retail in the first half of the year, up 13.6%, which tracks almost exactly with the rising price of gas. With over 3,500 jewelry stores, notably Kay Jewelers, Zales and Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry, its results are mixed. However, Jareds, its higher-end brand, is down 7.8% and Kays, its largest brand, is down 1.9% in same store sales. Lowe’s, on the other hand, isn’t faring as well, with first quarter sales up only 3%.

Source: Forbes August 19, 2018 17:03 UTC