Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores, Including Warehouse Clubs & Supercenters
This dataset tracks retail sales: general merchandise stores, including warehouse clubs & supercenters over time.
Latest Value
76710.00
Year-over-Year Change
3.78%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores, Including Warehouse Clubs & Supercenters metric measures consumer spending at large retail outlets. It is a key economic indicator for gauging consumer demand and overall economic health.
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 the total sales volume at general merchandise stores, which include warehouse clubs, supercenters, and other large retail establishments. It is an important barometer for the broader retail sector and consumer spending patterns.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures are closely watched by policymakers, analysts, and investors to assess the strength of consumer activity and make informed decisions.
Key Facts
- General merchandise stores account for over 30% of total U.S. 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 Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores, Including Warehouse Clubs & Supercenters metric measures the total sales volume at large retail outlets such as warehouse clubs and supercenters.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator is closely watched as it provides insights into consumer demand and overall economic health. Retail sales data is a key input for policymakers, economists, and investors.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of retail businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales figures are monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to assess the strength of consumer spending and make informed decisions about monetary and fiscal policies.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is released monthly by the Census Bureau, with a typical 2-week delay from the end of the reporting period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores, Including Warehouse Clubs & Supercenters (SM4523USN), retrieved from FRED.