Retail Sales: Used Merchandise Stores
This dataset tracks retail sales: used merchandise stores over time.
Latest Value
2081.00
Year-over-Year Change
7.38%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Used Merchandise Stores trend measures monthly sales at stores that primarily sell used merchandise, providing insight into consumer demand for secondhand goods.
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 offers economists and policymakers a gauge of consumer behavior and sentiment, as demand for used items can reflect economic conditions and household budgets.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retailers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures are closely watched by analysts and policymakers to assess the health of the broader economy.
Key Facts
- Used merchandise stores account for over $20 billion in annual retail sales.
- Sales at used merchandise stores tend to rise during economic downturns.
- Demand for secondhand goods varies by product category and demographic group.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Used Merchandise Stores trend tracks monthly sales at stores that primarily sell previously owned or secondhand goods.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator provides insight into consumer demand and behavior, which is valuable for economists, policymakers, and market analysts assessing economic conditions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retailers conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales figures, including used merchandise stores, are closely monitored by policymakers and analysts to gauge the health of the broader economy and consumer sentiment.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Retail Sales: Used Merchandise Stores data is published monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical 2-week delay.
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. Housing Market Faces Threats Beyond Fed's Impact On Mortgage Rates
Unfocused Interest Rates and the Real Threats in the Housing Market The fluctuations in the 30 year mortgage rates have long been a focal concern for the US housing market, but they may not be the most significant threat. As we delve deeper, it becomes apparent that the real dangers are lurking beyond these superficial numbers. With the current interest rates climate being only one piece of the complex puzzle that defines the housing landscape, stakeholders must widen their perspective. There's
High Interest Rates Threaten U.S. Jobs
How High Interest Rates Could Threaten U.S. Job Market and Economic Stability Recent discussions are buzzing about the Federal Reserve’s interest rates, sparking concerns that these high rates could pose challenges to the U.S. job market and economic stability. The effective federal funds rate, a key tool used by the Federal Reserve, is crucial in managing monetary policy, which aims to keep inflation in check while fostering economic growth. Yet, this balance is fragile. As interest rates rise
US market focused on Fed rate cut and Treasury yield impact
The Fed's Role on Interest Rates The Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions can have significant ripple effects across the U.S. economy. When the Fed announces a rate cut, it can alter the financial landscape dramatically. Such a move often affects the 10-year Treasury yield, a crucial component of the bond market that influences everything from mortgage rates to the national economic outlook. The anticipation surrounding such decisions can shape investment strategies and market expectations
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
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: Used Merchandise Stores (MRTSSM45330USN), retrieved from FRED.