Retail inched ahead last month, whilst fashion stores slipped behind, in keeping with the Census Bureau’s latest reading on industry sales. 

April retail and food services sales rose 1.6 percent from a yr earlier as consumers overcame persistent inflation, a bank crisis and renewed worries a couple of recession. 

But apparel and accessories speciality stores sales slipped 2.3 percent for the month, while shops were off 1.4 percent. 

For the retail fiscal first quarter — which incorporates February, March and April — fashion specialty stores were down 0.4 percent while shops managed a 0.6 percent increase. 

Those figures reflect sales in stores. Non-store retailers, a category dominated by e-commerce, saw sales increase 8 percent for the month in addition to the quarter — putting digital sales out in front even when the go-go days of pandemic-buying online have passed.

Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer of the National Retail Federation, said consumers have proven to be resilient within the face of economic uncertainty. 

“Moderating price levels, continued labor market strength and wage gains have increased consumers’ ability to spend,” Shay said. “Nonetheless, they continue to be cautious and anxious concerning the current economic environment. Retailers proceed to supply competitive pricing and convenience to assist cost-sensitive consumers stretch their budgets.”

It could turn out to be an issue if consumers are too resilient to inflation. 

That’s since the Federal Reserve has been ratcheting up rates of interest for greater than a yr to chill off consumer demand and keep the economy — and costs — from overheating. But when the Fed keeps raising rates to maintain inflation from becoming entrenched, the risks of a sharper recession increase.