Retail Sales: Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores
MRTSSM4532USN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
2,579.00
Year-over-Year Change
14.27%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The 'Retail Sales: Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores' trend measures monthly sales in the office supplies, stationery, and gift retail sector, providing insight into consumer spending patterns and economic activity.
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 series tracks the value of retail sales at stores primarily engaged in the sale of office supplies, stationery, and gifts. It is an important indicator of consumer demand and discretionary spending within this specialized retail segment.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a representative sample of U.S. retail establishments.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this metric to assess the health of the retail economy and consumer confidence.
Key Facts
- This sector accounts for over $30 billion in annual U.S. retail sales.
- Sales in this category tend to be sensitive to changes in consumer confidence.
- The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the monthly retail sales of stores primarily engaged in the sale of office supplies, stationery, and gifts.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insight into consumer spending patterns and discretionary demand in the specialized retail segment of office supplies, stationery, and gifts.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a representative sample of U.S. retail establishments.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this metric to assess the health of the retail economy and consumer confidence.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau with a typical lag of several weeks.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores (MRTSSM4532USN), retrieved from FRED.