Retail Sales: Building Materials and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers
MRTSSM444USN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
46,783.00
Year-over-Year Change
-2.81%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Building Materials and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers metric tracks monthly changes in sales at specialty stores selling building supplies, home improvement items, and garden products. It is a key indicator of consumer spending and economic activity in the construction and home improvement sectors.
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 retail sales series provides insights into consumer demand for building materials, hardware, lawn and garden equipment, and other related products. It is closely watched by economists, policymakers, and industry analysts to assess the health of the housing and construction markets.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures are used to inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions, as well as provide context for investment and business planning.
Key Facts
- Retail sales of building materials and garden equipment account for over 5% of total U.S. retail sales.
- This sector experienced a sharp decline during the 2008-2009 recession but has since recovered to new highs.
- Trends in this metric are closely tied to activity in the housing and home improvement markets.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Building Materials and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers metric tracks monthly changes in sales at stores focused on building supplies, home improvement items, and garden products.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This series provides insights into consumer demand in the construction and home improvement sectors, which are important indicators of broader economic activity.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales figures, including this metric, are used to inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions, as well as provide context for investment and business planning.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released on a monthly basis with a typical 2-week delay from the end of the reference period.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Building Materials and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers (MRTSSM444USN), retrieved from FRED.