Monthly State Retail Sales: Health and Personal Care Stores in Maryland

MSRSMD446 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

10.20

Year-over-Year Change

121.74%

Date Range

1/1/2019 - 4/1/2025

Summary

The Monthly State Retail Sales: Health and Personal Care Stores in Maryland measures sales at health and personal care stores in the state of Maryland. This metric is important for economists and policymakers to assess consumer demand and overall 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 series represents total sales at health and personal care stores in Maryland, including pharmacies, cosmetics stores, and other retailers of health-related products. It provides insight into consumer spending patterns and helps analysts evaluate the state's retail sector performance.

Methodology

The data is collected through monthly surveys of Maryland retailers.

Historical Context

This metric is used by government agencies, economists, and industry analysts to track consumer trends and inform economic policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • Maryland's health and personal care store sales account for over 12% of total retail sales in the state.
  • Sales at these stores have grown by an average of 3.5% annually over the past decade.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp but temporary decline in Maryland health and personal care store sales in 2020.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This metric measures total sales at health and personal care stores, such as pharmacies, drug stores, and cosmetics retailers, in the state of Maryland.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This data provides insight into consumer spending patterns and the performance of Maryland's retail sector, which is important for economic analysis and policy decisions.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of Maryland retailers conducted by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Government agencies, economists, and industry analysts use this metric to track consumer trends and inform economic policy decisions related to the retail industry in Maryland.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published with a slight delay, typically 1-2 months after the end of the reference period. There may also be revisions to historical data as more complete information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Monthly State Retail Sales: Health and Personal Care Stores in Maryland (MSRSMD446), retrieved from FRED.