Sales: Retail Trade: Total
OECDSLRTTO01GYSAM • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
2.97
Year-over-Year Change
-3924.63%
Date Range
1/1/1971 - 4/1/2025
Summary
The 'Sales: Retail Trade: Total' metric tracks the monthly total sales volume across the U.S. retail trade sector, providing key insights into consumer spending 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 indicator represents the overall sales activity at a wide range of retail establishments, including stores, restaurants, and e-commerce. It is a crucial barometer of real-time consumer demand and a leading indicator of broader economic trends.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures are closely monitored by policymakers, analysts, and investors to assess the health of the consumer economy.
Key Facts
- Retail sales account for nearly 30% of total U.S. economic activity.
- E-commerce sales have more than doubled since 2010, now making up over 13% of total retail.
- Retail sales experienced record declines during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since rebounded.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'Sales: Retail Trade: Total' metric tracks the monthly volume of sales across the U.S. retail sector, including stores, restaurants, and online merchants.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail sales are a key indicator of consumer spending and overall economic health, making this data crucial for policymakers, investors, and economists in assessing the state of the consumer economy.
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: Retail sales figures are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to gauge consumer demand and inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The retail sales data is published monthly by the Census Bureau, with a typical 2-week release lag. There may be revisions to prior months' figures as more complete data becomes available.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Sales: Retail Trade: Total (OECDSLRTTO01GYSAM), retrieved from FRED.