Advance Retail Sales: Electronics and Appliance Stores

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

Latest Value

7,615.00

Year-over-Year Change

-0.17%

Date Range

1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025

Summary

The Advance Retail Sales: Electronics and Appliance Stores measures sales volumes at retail establishments focused on electronics, appliances, and related products. This data provides timely insights into consumer demand and spending patterns in this key economic 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

The Advance Retail Sales: Electronics and Appliance Stores is a leading economic indicator published monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau. It tracks the total value of retail sales at stores specializing in the sale of consumer electronics, home appliances, and related merchandise. This data is widely used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to assess the health of the consumer economy.

Methodology

The data is collected through a monthly survey of retail establishments.

Historical Context

Trends in electronics and appliance sales are closely watched for their implications on consumer confidence, household spending, and broader economic conditions.

Key Facts

  • Electronics and appliance stores account for over $50 billion in monthly retail sales.
  • Sales at these stores typically rise during the holiday shopping season.
  • The sector is highly sensitive to changes in consumer confidence and disposable income.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Advance Retail Sales: Electronics and Appliance Stores measures the total value of retail sales at stores specializing in the sale of consumer electronics, home appliances, and related merchandise.

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

A: This data provides timely insights into consumer demand and spending patterns in a key economic sector, which is widely used by economists, policymakers, and market analysts to assess the health of the consumer economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through a monthly survey of retail establishments conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Trends in electronics and appliance sales are closely watched for their implications on consumer confidence, household spending, and broader economic conditions, and are used by policymakers to inform economic and monetary policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Advance Retail Sales data is published monthly, with a relatively short lag, providing timely insights into consumer spending patterns.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Census Bureau, Advance Retail Sales: Electronics and Appliance Stores (RSEAS), retrieved from FRED.