Retail Sales: Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores
This dataset tracks retail sales: beer, wine, and liquor stores over time.
Latest Value
6313.00
Year-over-Year Change
0.78%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores trend measures monthly sales at specialty stores selling alcoholic beverages. It is a key indicator of consumer spending and demand for alcoholic products.
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 economic indicator tracks the total value of retail sales at stores primarily engaged in selling packaged alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and liquor stores. It provides insights into consumer behavior and discretionary spending patterns within the alcohol industry.
Methodology
Data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales trends are closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and businesses to assess the health of the consumer economy.
Key Facts
- Beer, wine, and liquor stores account for over $135 billion in annual U.S. retail sales.
- Alcoholic beverage sales are considered a discretionary consumer expense.
- The beer, wine, and liquor retail sector employs over 700,000 workers nationwide.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores trend measures the monthly sales revenue at U.S. stores that primarily sell packaged alcoholic beverages.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator provides insights into consumer spending patterns and demand for alcoholic products, which is an important signal of overall economic health and consumer confidence.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales data, including beer, wine, and liquor store sales, is closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and businesses to assess the state of consumer spending and the broader economy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Retail Sales: Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a lag of approximately two weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores (MRTSSM4453USN), retrieved from FRED.