Advance Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores
This dataset tracks advance retail sales: general merchandise stores over time.
Latest Value
77250.00
Year-over-Year Change
3.18%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Advance Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores metric tracks monthly changes in retail sales at general merchandise stores, providing insights into consumer spending and economic activity.
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 total value of sales made by general merchandise stores, which include department stores, warehouse clubs, and superstores. It is a key gauge of consumer demand and can signal broader trends in the retail sector and the overall economy.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this metric to assess the health of the consumer economy and inform economic policy decisions.
Key Facts
- General merchandise stores account for over a quarter of total U.S. retail sales.
- Retail sales at general merchandise stores typically peak during the holiday shopping season.
- Trends in this metric can signal changes in consumer confidence and the overall economic outlook.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores metric measures the total value of monthly sales at general merchandise stores, which include department stores, warehouse clubs, and superstores.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator provides insights into consumer spending patterns and the overall health of the retail sector, which is a significant driver of economic growth. Analysts and policymakers use this data to assess the strength of the consumer economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists closely monitor this metric to gauge consumer demand and inform decisions related to monetary and fiscal policy, which can impact employment, inflation, and overall economic growth.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores data is released monthly, with a short delay, and provides a timely snapshot of consumer spending patterns.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores (RSGMS), retrieved from FRED.