Monthly State Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores in North Carolina
MSRSNC452 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
8.50
Year-over-Year Change
N/A%
Date Range
1/1/2019 - 4/1/2025
Summary
The Monthly State Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores in North Carolina metric tracks retail sales activity in the general merchandise stores sector within North Carolina. This data is a key indicator of consumer spending and economic conditions in the state.
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 the total sales in current dollars for general merchandise stores, which include department stores, warehouse clubs, and superstores in North Carolina. It is a valuable gauge of consumer spending trends and the overall health of the state's retail sector.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses in North Carolina conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this metric to assess the strength of North Carolina's consumer economy and make informed decisions.
Key Facts
- North Carolina is the 9th largest state economy in the U.S.
- General merchandise stores account for over 30% of total retail sales in North Carolina.
- Retail sales data is an important input for forecasting state GDP growth.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric tracks the total sales in current dollars for general merchandise stores, including department stores, warehouse clubs, and superstores, in the state of North Carolina.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail sales data is a key indicator of consumer spending and the overall health of North Carolina's economy. Analysts and policymakers use this metric to assess the strength of the state's consumer sector and make informed decisions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses in North Carolina conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists use this metric to monitor the performance of North Carolina's consumer economy and inform decisions related to fiscal and monetary policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released with a 1-2 month lag, so it may not reflect the most recent economic conditions. Additionally, the metric only covers general merchandise stores and does not represent total retail activity in the state.
Related Trends
Gross Domestic Product: Wholesale Trade (42) in North Carolina
NCWHOLENGSP
All Employees: Professional and Business Services: Management of Companies and Enterprises in North Carolina
SMU37000006055000001
Chain-Type Quantity Index for Real GDP: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (53) in North Carolina
NCRERENTLEAQGSP
Resident Population in North Carolina
NCPOP
Number of Insured Nonmember Commercial Banks in North Carolina
X08CBNMBINC
Per Capita Personal Consumption Expenditures: Goods for North Carolina
NCPCEPCG
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Monthly State Retail Sales: General Merchandise Stores in North Carolina (MSRSNC452), retrieved from FRED.