Advance Retail Sales: Department Stores
This dataset tracks advance retail sales: department stores over time.
Latest Value
10660.00
Year-over-Year Change
-2.53%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 3/1/2025
Summary
The Advance Retail Sales: Department Stores metric tracks monthly sales at U.S. department stores, providing 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 economic indicator measures the dollar value of retail sales made through department stores, which are major players in the U.S. retail landscape. It serves as a key barometer for assessing the strength of consumer demand and discretionary spending.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of U.S. department stores.
Historical Context
The Advance Retail Sales: Department Stores trend is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to gauge the state of the economy.
Key Facts
- Department stores account for a significant portion of overall U.S. retail sales.
- Sales trends at department stores often reflect broader consumer confidence and discretionary spending patterns.
- The Advance Retail Sales: Department Stores metric is released monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: Department Stores metric tracks the monthly sales performance of U.S. department stores, providing insight into consumer spending and the overall health of the retail sector.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and market analysts as it serves as a barometer for assessing the strength of consumer demand and discretionary spending in the U.S. economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of U.S. department stores by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: Department Stores metric is used by policymakers and economists to gauge the overall health of the retail sector and consumer spending, which are important factors in economic decision-making and policy formulation.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: Department Stores data is released on a monthly basis, with a slight delay, by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Sales: Department Stores (RSDSELD), retrieved from FRED.