Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers and Gasoline Stations

Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted

MARTSSM44W72USN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

543,694.00

Year-over-Year Change

4.97%

Date Range

1/1/1992 - 7/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures nominal retail sales in millions of U.S. dollars, without seasonal adjustments. It provides insight into consumer spending patterns and the overall health of the U.S. economy.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted retail sales trend represents the total value of goods and services sold by U.S. retailers. It is a key indicator of consumer demand and a barometer for economic activity.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of U.S. retail and food service firms.

Historical Context

Analysts and policymakers closely monitor this trend to gauge consumer confidence and make informed decisions.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for about 70% of U.S. economic activity.
  • Consumer spending drives over two-thirds of U.S. GDP.
  • The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total value of goods and services sold by U.S. retailers, without adjusting for seasonal variations.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: Retail sales data is a key indicator of consumer demand and overall economic health, making it relevant for analysts, policymakers, and anyone interested in the state of the U.S. economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of U.S. retail and food service firms by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers, economists, and market analysts closely monitor retail sales data to gauge consumer confidence and make informed decisions about monetary and fiscal policies.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The retail sales data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a short delay between the reference period and the publication date.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted (MARTSSM44W72USN), retrieved from FRED.