Retail Sales: Electronics Stores
MRTSSM443142USN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
5,308.00
Year-over-Year Change
-0.17%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Electronics Stores trend measures sales at U.S. electronics and appliance stores, a key indicator of consumer spending and broader economic conditions.
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 monthly indicator tracks the value of retail sales at stores primarily engaged in retailing a general line of new electronics and appliances. It is a vital metric for understanding consumer demand and the health of the electronics sector.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales are closely monitored by policymakers, investors, and analysts as a real-time signal of economic activity.
Key Facts
- Sales at U.S. electronics stores totaled $9.7 billion in December 2022.
- Electronics and appliance store sales account for about 2% of total U.S. retail trade.
- The trend reached a record high of $12.3 billion in November 2021.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Electronics Stores trend measures the total value of retail sales at U.S. stores that primarily sell electronics, appliances, and related products.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator provides real-time insights into consumer demand and spending patterns in the electronics sector, which is an important part of the broader retail economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales data, including the electronics stores trend, is closely monitored by policymakers, investors, and analysts as a key gauge of economic activity and consumer confidence.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Retail Sales: Electronics Stores data is published monthly with a lag of approximately two weeks after the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Electronics Stores (MRTSSM443142USN), retrieved from FRED.