Retail Sales: Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses
This dataset tracks retail sales: electronic shopping and mail-order houses over time.
Latest Value
117930.00
Year-over-Year Change
8.23%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses trend measures consumer spending on online and catalog retail purchases. It is a key indicator of e-commerce activity 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 data series tracks monthly retail sales for the electronic shopping and mail-order houses industry, which includes online and catalog sales. It provides insights into the growth and health of the e-commerce sector and broader consumer spending patterns.
Methodology
The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of retail businesses.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts monitor this trend to assess the impact of e-commerce on the broader economy.
Key Facts
- Online and mail-order sales account for over 15% of total U.S. retail trade.
- E-commerce sales have grown by over 10% annually in recent years.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to online shopping.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses trend measures consumer spending on online and catalog retail purchases.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides insights into the growth and health of the e-commerce sector, a key component of the broader retail industry and economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of retail businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this trend to assess the impact of e-commerce on the broader economy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a typical 2-week lag.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses (MRTSSM4541USS), retrieved from FRED.