Advance Retail Sales: Food and Beverage Stores
RSDBS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
84,322.00
Year-over-Year Change
2.52%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Advance Retail Sales: Food and Beverage Stores trend measures monthly changes in sales at food and beverage stores, providing insights into consumer spending and economic conditions.
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 tracks total sales at food and beverage stores, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty food shops. It is a key indicator of consumer demand and can inform analyses of inflation, household finances, and broader economic trends.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts use this metric to gauge the health of the consumer sector and guide decisions on monetary and fiscal policy.
Key Facts
- Food and beverage stores account for over 12% of total U.S. retail sales.
- This metric is released monthly, typically two weeks after the end of the reference period.
- Sales at food and beverage stores tend to be less volatile than overall retail sales.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: Food and Beverage Stores trend measures monthly changes in sales at food and beverage stores, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty food shops.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insights into consumer spending patterns and the health of the consumer sector, which is a key driver of the broader economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this metric to gauge consumer demand and inform decisions on monetary and fiscal policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: This metric is released monthly, typically two weeks after the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Sales: Food and Beverage Stores (RSDBS), retrieved from FRED.