Retail Sales: Home Furnishings Stores
MRTSSM4422USN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
4,632.00
Year-over-Year Change
6.38%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 9/1/2020
Summary
The Retail Sales: Home Furnishings Stores trend measures monthly sales for stores that sell furniture, home furnishings, and related products. It provides insight into consumer spending on discretionary home goods.
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 indicator tracks the value of retail sales at furniture, home furnishings, and related home goods stores. It is a key metric for gauging the strength of the housing and home improvement sectors, as well as overall consumer confidence.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail businesses.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this metric to assess the health of the broader economy and monitor consumer trends.
Key Facts
- Home furnishings stores account for about 2% of total U.S. retail sales.
- Sales at home furnishings stores tend to be more volatile than overall retail sales.
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in home furnishings sales in 2020.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Home Furnishings Stores trend measures the monthly sales for stores that sell furniture, home decor, and other home-related merchandise.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insight into consumer spending on discretionary home goods, which is an important indicator of the strength of the housing and home improvement sectors.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this metric to assess the health of the broader economy and monitor consumer trends.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a typical lag of around two weeks.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Home Furnishings Stores (MRTSSM4422USN), retrieved from FRED.