Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Food and Beverage Stores
This dataset tracks retail inventories/sales ratio: food and beverage stores over time.
Latest Value
0.75
Year-over-Year Change
2.74%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio for Food and Beverage Stores measures the relationship between inventory levels and sales in this retail sector. It is an important indicator of 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 represents the level of retail inventories relative to sales for food and beverage stores. It provides insight into retailer inventory management strategies and can signal changes in consumer buying patterns or production-side constraints.
Methodology
The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through monthly retail trade surveys.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to assess the health of the retail sector and broader economic conditions.
Key Facts
- The ratio reached a record high of 1.28 in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2022, the ratio has remained elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- A higher ratio indicates retailers have more inventory relative to sales.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio for Food and Beverage Stores measures the relationship between inventory levels and sales in this retail sector.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio provides insight into retailer inventory management strategies and can signal changes in consumer buying patterns or production-side constraints, making it a valuable indicator of the health of the retail sector and broader economic conditions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau through monthly retail trade surveys.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to assess the health of the retail sector and broader economic conditions, as it can signal changes in consumer demand and supply chain dynamics.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a typical lag of around one month.
Related News
U.S. Economy Weak in August, Retail Sales Show Potential Resilience
Resilient Retail: Analyzing August’s Economic Trends in U.S. Retail Sales Recent trends in U.S. retail sales offer an intriguing glimpse into economic resilience amidst the challenges of August. The retail sector demonstrated its strength, even as broader economic indicators painted a less optimistic picture. In August, consumer spending and the retail sector were noteworthy, providing insights into economic resilience and offering a beacon of optimism. This anomaly invites a closer look into c
U.S. Home Sales Decline In August Due To High Prices
August 2023 U.S. Home Sales Decline Amid Rising Mortgage Rates and High Prices In August 2023, U.S. home sales experienced a notable decline, highlighting a distressing trend in the housing market. Homeownership is more costly these days. High home prices and soaring 30 year mortgage rates, combined with limited housing inventory, pose significant challenges for potential buyers and cast a shadow on economic recovery efforts. Many potential homebuyers find themselves increasingly priced out of
U.S. Stock Indices Rebound After Tech Stocks' Recent Decline
US Stock Indices Rebound: Understanding the Market Recovery The recent surge in the US stock market marks a significant upturn, with key indices such as the Nasdaq and S&P 500 leading this recovery. The primary metric underpinning these shifts is the civilian employment-to-population ratio, reflecting positive economic momentum. This boost in indices can be linked to a complex interplay of factors, including recent economic data, renewed market optimism, and evolving investor behavior, casting
U.S. GDP Growth to Slow Due to Tariffs and Immigration Policies
How Tariffs and Immigration Policies Influence U.S. GDP Growth in 2025 The U.S. GDP is a fundamental gauge of the country's economic health. Recent forecasts have raised concerns about a GDP slowdown, suggesting that trade tariffs and lower immigration might be key factors. According to economic forecasts and OECD reports, these issues are becoming centers of focus. Trade policies and immigration rules heavily impact the economic prediction landscape. Challenged by decreasing GDP figures, trade
U.S. Stock Markets Hit Record Highs Amid Nvidia, OpenAI Partnership
Nvidia's OpenAI Partnership Excites U.S. Markets The unprecedented performance of the U.S. stock markets can be largely attributed to Nvidia's exciting partnership with OpenAI. This collaboration is not only setting new records for Nvidia shares but is also invigorating other tech stocks, leading to historic highs in indices like the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq. Record-high stocks signify significant investment opportunities, underscored by revolutionary artificial intelligence innovations.
US economic growth slows amid rising inflation concerns
US Economic Growth Slows Amid Inflation and Rising Interest Rates The US economy, a crucial indicator of its global standing, is facing a slow growth trajectory. Recent data suggest that inflationary pressures and rising interest rates are the chief culprits in this deceleration. With the Consumer Price Index reflecting heightened inflation and the Federal Reserve adjusting interest rates, the interplay of these factors raises significant concerns for economic stability. These developments furt
Related Trends
Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
CPIAUCNS
Capacity Utilization: Total Index
TCU
Commercial and Industrial Loans, All Commercial Banks
TOTCI
Share of Foreign Born in Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood A
RLMSHFBHOLCNA
Home Ownership Rate in Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood C
RLMSHHORHOLCNC
Share of Foreign Born in Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) Neighborhood C
RLMSHFBHOLCNC
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Food and Beverage Stores (MRTSIR445USS), retrieved from FRED.