PURCHASE, N.Y.—U.S. retail sales, including online and in-person transactions, fell 5.6% in May from a year ago, according to a new study from Mastercard SpendingPulse.
While the number is a decline, it’s actually an improvement from the 14.1% drop it recorded the previous month.
The report also shows e-commerce sales almost doubled during May amid widespread economic lockdown measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, reported Bloomberg in its analysis.
The report estimates online sales received $53 billion of incremental spending in the U.S. during April and May.
“The study also highlights the rare pockets of strength in consumer buying, including online sales and spending on home improvement and groceries,” Bloomberg said.