IDT's NRSInsights Reports 4% YoY Retail Sales Growth in February 2026

Event summary

  • IDT Corporation's NRSInsights reported a 4% year-over-year increase in same-store sales for February 2026, down from 5.8% in January 2026.
  • Units sold decreased 0.2% year-over-year, while the average price for the top 500 items increased 2.7% year-over-year.
  • The NRS retail network comprised approximately 38,700 active terminals across 33,600 stores as of February 28, 2026.
  • Sales growth was driven by key convenience categories, with notable gains in Midwestern cities like Chicago and Detroit.

The big picture

IDT's NRSInsights data highlights the resilience of independent retailers, particularly in urban and Midwestern markets. The 4% year-over-year sales growth, despite a slight decrease in units sold, suggests a shift towards higher-priced convenience items. The network's expansion and the inflationary trends in key categories underscore the strategic importance of regional dynamics in retail performance.

What we're watching

Regional Disparities
Whether the slowdown in East Coast sales growth will persist or if it is a temporary anomaly.
Inflation Trends
The pace at which the average price increase for top-selling items will affect consumer spending.
Category Performance
How the growth in convenience categories will impact overall retail strategy.