Retail Sales: Other Clothing Stores

MRTSSM44819USN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

1,668.00

Year-over-Year Change

3.67%

Date Range

1/1/2001 - 6/1/2025

Summary

This U.S. economic trend measures sales at clothing stores other than department, specialty, and general merchandise stores. It provides insight into consumer spending on discretionary apparel purchases.

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 Retail Sales: Other Clothing Stores series tracks monthly sales at clothing stores that are not department, specialty, or general merchandise stores. This metric offers a window into broader consumer demand for discretionary fashion items.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of U.S. retail businesses.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts monitor this indicator to assess the health of the consumer economy.

Key Facts

  • Clothing stores account for over 2% of total U.S. retail sales.
  • Other clothing stores represent about one-quarter of total clothing sales.
  • Apparel spending is considered a discretionary consumer purchase.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures monthly sales at U.S. clothing stores that are not department, specialty, or general merchandise stores.

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

A: This metric provides insight into consumer demand for discretionary apparel purchases, offering a window into the health of the broader consumer economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of U.S. retail businesses.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this indicator to assess consumer spending patterns and the overall state of the consumer economy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released with a short lag, typically within a month of the reference period.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Other Clothing Stores (MRTSSM44819USN), retrieved from FRED.