Redbook US same-store sales rose by 9.1% from a year earlier in the week ended Aug. 22 after a 7.6% year-over-year increase in the previous week.
Redbook noted strong back-to-school sales, especially in the Midwest and South regions, where the school year started earlier. High fuel prices continued to weigh on consumer spending, while state tax holidays boosted sales in Florida, Illinois and Connecticut. Some retailers plan to use federal tariff refunds to reduce prices and drive sales.
Through the third selling week for August, sales were up 8.4% compared with August 2025, below the target for an 8.8% gain, Redbook said.