Fiserv Data Shows Small Business Sales Resilience Amid Winter Storms

Event summary

  • Fiserv's Small Business Index for February 2026 shows year-over-year sales growth of +1.2% despite a -0.8% decline in foot traffic.
  • Higher average ticket sizes (+2.0% YoY) offset weather-driven foot traffic declines.
  • Service-based businesses saw sales growth, while restaurant sales slowed due to reduced foot traffic.
  • Northeast regions experienced significant sales drops due to winter storms, with Rhode Island (-9.9%) and New York (-2.9%) hit hardest.

The big picture

Fiserv's data highlights the resilience of small businesses in adapting to external shocks like harsh weather, with a notable shift in consumer spending patterns. The ability to track detailed transaction data across 2 million U.S. small businesses provides unique insights into subsector dynamics, particularly in service-based industries and retail. This trend underscores the importance of flexible payment and business management solutions in volatile market conditions.

What we're watching

Weather Impact
How repeated winter storms will affect small business sales in the Northeast during the remainder of the season.
Consumer Behavior
Whether the shift toward higher ticket sizes and budget-friendly options will persist beyond seasonal factors.
Sector Performance
The pace at which service-based businesses can sustain growth compared to restaurants and retail.