Monthly State Retail Sales: Total Retail Sales Excluding Nonstore Retailers in Maine

MSRSMETOTAL • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

5.90

Year-over-Year Change

180.95%

Date Range

1/1/2019 - 4/1/2025

Summary

The Monthly State Retail Sales: Total Retail Sales Excluding Nonstore Retailers in Maine metric tracks retail sales trends in the state's brick-and-mortar stores, excluding online and mail-order businesses. This data provides valuable insights into the health of Maine's consumer economy.

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 measures total retail sales within Maine, excluding sales from nonstore retailers such as e-commerce, catalog, and direct-to-consumer channels. It is a key indicator of consumer spending and economic activity in the state.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of Maine retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical Context

Policymakers and analysts use this metric to assess the strength of Maine's local economy and consumer sentiment.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales account for over 40% of Maine's gross state product.
  • Maine's retail sector employs more than 90,000 workers statewide.
  • Online and nonstore sales make up around 20% of total retail activity in Maine.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This metric tracks total retail sales activity in Maine, excluding online and mail-order transactions. It provides a gauge of consumer spending and economic activity in the state's brick-and-mortar retail sector.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: Retail sales are a crucial component of Maine's economy, making this data highly relevant for policymakers, businesses, and economists analyzing the state's economic performance and consumer sentiment.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of Maine retail establishments.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Analysts and policymakers use this metric to assess the health of Maine's consumer economy and inform decisions related to economic development, tax policy, and other state-level initiatives.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published with a 1-2 month lag, and may be subject to periodic revisions by the Census Bureau.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Monthly State Retail Sales: Total Retail Sales Excluding Nonstore Retailers in Maine (MSRSMETOTAL), retrieved from FRED.