Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores
This dataset tracks retail sales: pharmacies and drug stores over time.
Latest Value
33398.00
Year-over-Year Change
12.81%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores trend measures consumer spending at drugstores and pharmacies, providing insights into consumer demand and economic health.
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 indicator tracks monthly sales at establishments primarily engaged in retailing prescription or nonprescription drugs and medicines, and other health and personal care items. It is a key gauge of consumer spending and an important economic indicator for policymakers and analysts.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales data is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to assess consumer behavior and the overall economic climate.
Key Facts
- Drugstores and pharmacies account for over $300 billion in annual U.S. retail sales.
- Retail sales at pharmacies grew by 4.2% in 2021 compared to the previous year.
- The pharmacy and drug store sector employs over 1 million people in the United States.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores trend measures consumer spending at establishments primarily engaged in retailing prescription drugs, medicines, and other health and personal care items.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator provides insights into consumer demand and the overall health of the economy, as spending at pharmacies and drugstores is an important component of total retail sales.
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 pharmacy and drugstore sales, is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to assess consumer behavior and the overall economic climate.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is published monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical release lag of around two weeks after the end of the reporting period.
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 Futures Stagnant Despite Positive Jobless Claims and GDP
Why US Stock Futures Remain Stagnant Despite Positive Economic Indicators The current investment landscape is puzzling for many as US stock futures struggle to show a definite trend despite favorable economic signals. These signals, such as jobless claims and Q2 GDP figures, suggest a healthy economy. Given the roles of the stock market and the Federal Reserve's decisions on rate hikes, it is surprising to witness this stagnation. Inflation trends and the Fed's signals about future policies pla
U.S. jobless claims decline to lowest level since mid-July
U.S. Jobless Claims Drop: A Positive Sign for Economic Growth The U.S. economy is signaling a positive turn as the initial jobless claims have dropped to their lowest level since mid-July, suggesting a more resilient labor market. This decline in jobless claims is not just a number; it reflects crucial dynamics in the U.S. economy and employment landscape. As people file fewer claims for unemployment benefits, it suggests a strengthening employment market and a recovering economy. Also, the cur
U.S. Trade Deficit Decreases As Businesses Anticipate Tariff Hikes
U.S. Trade Deficit Reaches Two-Year Low Amid Anticipated Tariff Hikes The recent announcement that the U.S. trade deficit has reached a two-year low signals significant developments for the national economy. This change may, in part, be influenced by the anticipation of tariff hikes, which are affecting trade patterns. As this event unfolds, it has implications for the U.S. GDP, underscoring the importance of reducing the trade deficit. Trade tensions have long shaped the global economic landsc
U.S. Treasury Yields Increase Amid Strong Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns
Treasury Yields Surge Amid Economic Growth and Inflation Concerns Treasury yields are surging as investors closely monitor the evolving U.S. economic landscape. Recent data 10-year Treasury yield. With economic growth on one side and inflation data on the other, it's essential to unpack these complex dynamics. By analyzing these factors, we gain insights into the Federal Reserve's role in shaping monetary policy and the consequential market implications. The Federal Reserve's policies, market v
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 Sales: Pharmacies and Drug Stores (MRTSSM44611USN), retrieved from FRED.