Monthly State Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores in the United States
This dataset tracks monthly state retail sales: general merchandise stores in the united states over time.
Latest Value
4.90
Year-over-Year Change
-357.89%
Date Range
1/1/2019 - 4/1/2025
Summary
The Monthly State Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores in the United States trend measures sales at retail establishments that primarily sell a general line of merchandise, such as department stores and big-box retailers. This data provides insight into consumer spending patterns and the overall health of the retail sector.
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 monthly retail sales for general merchandise stores in the U.S., which are a key indicator of consumer demand and economic activity. The data is used by economists, policymakers, and businesses to analyze trends in consumer behavior and evaluate the performance of the retail industry.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other economic institutions to assess the strength of the U.S. economy and inform policy decisions.
Key Facts
- General merchandise stores account for over $700 billion in annual retail sales.
- Retail sales data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Consumer spending makes up about 70% of U.S. economic activity.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Monthly State Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores in the United States trend measures monthly sales at retail establishments that primarily sell a general line of merchandise, such as department stores and big-box retailers.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This data provides important insights into consumer spending patterns and the overall health of the retail sector, which is a key driver of the U.S. economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales figures are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other economic institutions to assess the strength of the U.S. economy and inform policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical 1-2 month delay.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Monthly State Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores in the United States (MSRSUSA452), retrieved from FRED.