Retail Sales: Grocery Stores

Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted

MRTSSM4451USN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

75,038.00

Year-over-Year Change

1.83%

Date Range

1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures retail sales for motor vehicle and parts dealers in the United States, a key indicator of consumer spending and economic activity.

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 series tracks the total value of sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers, providing insights into consumer demand and the health of the automotive industry.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts use this trend to gauge consumer confidence and make informed decisions.

Key Facts

  • Motor vehicle and parts dealers account for over 20% of total retail sales in the U.S.
  • Retail sales data is a leading indicator of economic growth and consumer confidence.
  • This series is reported monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total dollar value of retail sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers in the United States, providing insights into consumer demand and the health of the automotive industry.

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

A: Motor vehicle sales are a significant component of overall consumer spending, making this trend an important indicator of economic conditions and consumer confidence.

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: Policymakers and analysts use this trend to gauge consumer spending patterns and make informed decisions about economic policy, monetary policy, and market interventions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is reported monthly with a short delay, and may be subject to revisions as more complete information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted (MRTSSM4451USN), retrieved from FRED.