Retailers: Inventories to Sales Ratio
This dataset tracks retailers: inventories to sales ratio over time.
Latest Value
1.31
Year-over-Year Change
0.77%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retailers: Inventories to Sales Ratio measures the relationship between retailers' inventory levels and their sales. It provides insights into consumer demand, inventory management, and economic conditions.
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 ratio represents the value of retailer inventories divided by the value of their sales. It serves as an important indicator of supply chain dynamics and consumer confidence within the retail sector.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this ratio to assess the health of the retail industry and broader economic trends.
Key Facts
- The ratio averaged 1.44 in 2022, indicating retailers held 1.44 months' worth of sales in inventory.
- A higher ratio suggests retailers are holding more inventory relative to sales, which may signal slower consumer demand.
- The ratio reached a record high of 1.75 in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting retail supply chains.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retailers: Inventories to Sales Ratio measures the relationship between the value of retail inventories and the value of retail sales.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This ratio provides insights into consumer demand, inventory management, and the overall health of the retail industry, which is a key driver of the broader economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this ratio to assess supply chain dynamics, consumer confidence, and the overall state of the retail sector, which can inform economic policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, with a typical lag of around 6 weeks. There may be limitations due to survey response rates or changes in retail industry composition over time.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retailers: Inventories to Sales Ratio (RETAILIRSA), retrieved from FRED.