Retail Sales: Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, and Book Stores
MRTSSM451USN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
7,879.00
Year-over-Year Change
2.09%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, and Book Stores trend measures consumer spending at stores in these industries. It's a key indicator of consumer demand 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 retail sales series tracks the monthly sales volume at stores that sell sporting goods, hobbies, musical instruments, and books. It's a valuable indicator of consumer sentiment and discretionary spending within these specific sectors.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Economists and policymakers monitor this data to assess the health of the consumer economy and guide fiscal and monetary policies.
Key Facts
- This series covers approximately 6% of total retail sales.
- Sales at these stores declined sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Sporting goods and hobby stores are leading indicators of consumer confidence.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures monthly retail sales at stores that sell sporting goods, hobbies, musical instruments, and books. It provides insight into consumer spending in these discretionary sectors.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This data is important for assessing the strength of the consumer economy, as spending in these discretionary categories can indicate broader trends in consumer confidence and sentiment.
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: Economists and policymakers monitor this data to gauge the health of the consumer sector and inform fiscal and monetary policies aimed at supporting economic growth.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a lag of approximately two weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, and Book Stores (MRTSSM451USN), retrieved from FRED.