Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Stores
This dataset tracks retail inventories/sales ratio: furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliance stores over time.
Latest Value
1.56
Year-over-Year Change
-1.27%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio for Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Stores measures the relationship between inventory levels and sales in this retail sector. It provides insight into supply chain dynamics and consumer demand.
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
This ratio compares the dollar value of retail inventories to the dollar value of retail sales for establishments focused on furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliances. It serves as an indicator of inventory management and consumer spending patterns in this important retail segment.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
This ratio is closely monitored by economists and policymakers to assess the health of the consumer economy.
Key Facts
- The ratio averaged 1.34 from 2010-2019.
- The ratio spiked to 2.14 in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Furniture and home furnishings stores have the highest inventory/sales ratios among major retail sectors.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio for Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Stores measures the relationship between inventory levels and sales in this retail segment.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio provides insight into supply chain dynamics and consumer demand patterns in an important consumer-facing retail sector, making it a closely watched indicator by economists and policymakers.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This ratio is used by economists and policymakers to assess the health of the consumer economy and monitor supply chain pressures in the furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliance retail sectors.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a typical 1-2 month lag, and may be subject to revisions as additional information becomes available.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Stores (MRTSIR4423XUSS), retrieved from FRED.