Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Gasoline Stations
This dataset tracks retail sales: retail trade and food services, excluding gasoline stations over time.
Latest Value
671697.00
Year-over-Year Change
4.99%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Gasoline Stations trend measures consumer spending, excluding gasoline, on retail goods and services. It is a key indicator of economic health and consumer confidence.
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 retail sales metric tracks monthly changes in the value of sales for a broad range of retail and food service businesses, providing insights into consumer demand and discretionary spending. It is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and market analysts.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail and food service establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures are used to inform economic policy decisions and assess the strength of consumer-driven economic growth.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for nearly 30% of overall consumer spending in the U.S.
- The retail sales trend excludes auto and gasoline sales to focus on discretionary consumer purchases.
- Monthly retail sales data is a leading indicator of broader economic activity and consumer confidence.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Retail Trade and Food Services, Excluding Gasoline Stations trend measures the total value of sales made by retailers and food service establishments, excluding sales at gasoline stations.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This retail sales metric is a key indicator of consumer demand and economic health, as consumer spending drives a large portion of overall economic activity in the U.S.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail and food service establishments conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales figures are closely monitored by policymakers and economists to assess the strength of consumer-driven economic growth and inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is published monthly by the Census Bureau, with a typical release lag of around two 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 Gasoline Stations (MRTSSM44Z72USS), retrieved from FRED.