Fact Check: Receipts rose 15% in May and are up 6% from a year ago

Fact Check: "Receipts rose 15% in May and are up 6% from a year ago"

What We Know

The claim states that retail receipts increased by 15% in May and are up 6% compared to the same month last year. According to the Monthly Retail Trade - Sales Report, retail trade sales were actually down 0.1% from March 2025, but up 4.7% from the previous year. This indicates that the year-over-year increase is not 6%, but rather 4.7%.

Moreover, the report does not support the assertion of a 15% increase in May. In fact, the Advance Monthly Sales for Retail and Food Services also confirms a year-over-year increase of 4.7%, which contradicts the claim of a 15% rise in receipts for May.

Analysis

The claim of a 15% increase in May appears to be significantly overstated. The official data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which is the primary source for retail sales statistics, indicates a much smaller increase of 4.7% year-over-year. The reliability of this data is high, as it comes from a government agency that employs rigorous methodologies to compile economic indicators.

Additionally, the claim lacks corroboration from other credible sources. For instance, a Reuters article discusses retail sales but does not mention a 15% increase; instead, it highlights mixed results in various sectors. Similarly, a Forbes article discusses consumer spending but does not support the claim of a 15% increase in receipts.

The absence of supporting evidence from reputable financial news outlets further diminishes the credibility of the claim. The data from the Census Bureau is considered authoritative and is widely used in economic analysis, making it a more reliable source than anecdotal claims or unsupported assertions.

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that "receipts rose 15% in May and are up 6% from a year ago" is not supported by the available data. The official retail sales report indicates a year-over-year increase of 4.7%, not 6%, and there is no evidence of a 15% increase in May. Further investigation into the sources and context of the claim is necessary to clarify its accuracy.