Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
This dataset tracks retail sales: retail trade and food services, excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers over time.
Latest Value
580393.00
Year-over-Year Change
3.62%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
This economic indicator measures monthly retail sales excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers, providing insights into consumer spending patterns across various retail sectors.
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: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers metric tracks the total dollar value of retail and food service sales transactions, excluding those made at automobile and auto parts dealerships. This trend is a key barometer of consumer demand and a crucial input for economic analysis and policymaking.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail and food service businesses in the United States.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures are closely monitored by economists, investors, and policymakers to gauge the strength of the consumer economy and inform decision-making.
Key Facts
- Retail sales make up over 40% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
- Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales account for approximately $4.7 trillion annually.
- The retail sales trend is a leading indicator of economic growth and consumer confidence.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator measures the total dollar value of retail and food service sales transactions, excluding those made at automobile and auto parts dealerships.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail sales figures are a key barometer of consumer demand and a crucial input for economic analysis and policymaking.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail and food service businesses in the United States.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales data is closely monitored by economists, investors, and policymakers to gauge the strength of the consumer economy and inform decision-making.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is reported on a monthly basis, with a typical release delay of 2-3 weeks after the end of the reference month.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers (MRTSSM44Y72USS), retrieved from FRED.