Retail Sales: Grocery Stores
MRTSSM4451USS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
75,528.00
Year-over-Year Change
2.43%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Grocery Stores trend measures monthly sales for the grocery store industry in the United States. It is an important economic indicator that provides insights into consumer spending and the overall health of the retail sector.
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 series tracks the value of retail sales at grocery stores, supermarkets, and other food and beverage stores. It is widely used by economists and policymakers to analyze consumer behavior, inflation, and the broader state of the economy.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales data helps inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions by the Federal Reserve and Congress.
Key Facts
- Grocery stores account for over 50% of total U.S. retail sales.
- Retail sales at grocery stores grew by 7.5% in 2022 compared to the previous year.
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to a spike in grocery store sales as consumers spent more on food at home.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Grocery Stores trend measures the monthly sales value for the grocery store industry in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides important insights into consumer spending patterns and the overall health of the retail sector, which is crucial for economic analysis and policy decisions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales data, including the Grocery Stores trend, helps inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions by the Federal Reserve and Congress.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a short lag, typically within a few weeks of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Grocery Stores (MRTSSM4451USS), retrieved from FRED.