Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Sales
S4243SM144SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
14,118.00
Year-over-Year Change
9.27%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
This economic trend measures sales at merchant wholesalers of nondurable goods, specifically apparel, piece goods, and notions. It provides insight into wholesale demand and can signal broader consumer spending patterns.
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 Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Sales trend tracks monthly sales for wholesalers of these key retail products. The data is used by economists to analyze wholesale trade activity and its relationship to consumer demand.
Methodology
The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of merchant wholesaler businesses.
Historical Context
This wholesale sales data informs analysis of consumer spending, retail inventories, and broader economic conditions.
Key Facts
- Wholesale apparel, piece goods, and notions sales account for over $130 billion annually.
- Nondurable goods wholesalers employ more than 1 million workers in the U.S.
- Sales can fluctuate based on consumer preferences, fashion trends, and retail inventory levels.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures monthly sales at merchant wholesalers of nondurable goods, specifically apparel, piece goods, and notions.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This wholesale sales data provides insight into consumer demand patterns and can signal broader economic conditions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau collects this data through monthly surveys of merchant wholesaler businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this wholesale trade data to assess consumer spending, retail inventories, and overall economic health.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a lag of several weeks from the reference period.
Related Trends
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio
R423IRM163SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Farm Product Raw Materials Sales
S4245SM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages Inventories
I4248IM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4238IM163SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Durable Goods: Hardware, and Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Sales
S4237SM144SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods Sales
S424SMM144SCEN
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Sales (S4243SM144SCEN), retrieved from FRED.